[edited 2/11/2012] I feel I need to clarify that Penguin did not stop doing business with libraries, they stopped doing business with OverDrive, read more here.

And how to get them to talk to the Publishers.

I’ve had this post in my drafts for a long time. I originally planned to include it in my November post Penguin Pulls eBooks From Public Libraries Dropping it Down to 1 of the Big 6 Publishers Playing Nice With Libraries, but cut it at the last minute. Thanks to Sarah’s post about Penguin’s decision to end it’s contract with OverDrive. I’m digging it out and polishing it off. In the comments from 9 Reasons Publishers Should Stop Acting Like Libraries Are The Enemy several people asked for a script for patron conversations regarding publishers that don’t loan their ebooks to libraries. Please remember this script is JUST a suggestion, but it is always in the best interest of libraries to remain professional and courteous.

Possible scripts for your conversation with your patrons when they ask why the library does not have an ebook from a publisher who has chosen not to lend to libraries:

I completely understand your frustration, unfortunately [insert publisher] has chosen not to allow public libraries to loan their ebooks. If you would like I can provide you with contact information for [insert publisher].

I know, I wish we had [insert title] too! Unfortunately [insert publisher] has chosen not to allow public libraries to loan their ebooks. If you would like I can provide you with contact information for [insert publisher].

Possible scripts for patrons talking to publishers.

Hi my name is [insert name] I am a patron of [insert library name]. It has recently come to my attention that [insert publishers] had made the decision not to loan ebooks to public libraries. I am writing/calling to express my concerns. I am a library patron but I am also a book buyer. In the last year I purchased [insert number] print books and/or [insert number] of ebooks and/or [insert number] of audiobooks. I am writing/calling to ask you to reconsider working with public libraries.

There are just suggestions, consider them a starting place. If you have others please share!

pdf of script and contact info.

Contact information for publishers

Macmillan Publishing

75 Varick Street

New York, NY 10013

(212) 226-7521

customerservice@mpsvirginia.com

Simon & Schuster

1230 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10020

(212) 698-7000

http://simonandschuster.com/about/contact_us

Hachette Book Group

466 Lexington Avenue #131

New York, NY 10017

(212) 364-1100

customer.service@hbgusa.com

Penguin Group

375 Hudson Street

New York, NY 10014

(212) 366-2000

ecommerce@us.penguingroup.com

Brilliance Audio

1704 Eaton Drive

Grand Haven, MI 49417

(616) 846-5256

libsales@brillianceaudio.com

HarperCollins Publishers

10 East 53rd Street

New York, NY 10022

Phone: 212-207-7000

feedback2@harpercollins.com

Read more about publishers, libraries, and ebooks