Hefty eBook fees causing crisis for library budgets

Jean Ricken, head of library services, MTU Bishopstown library. Libraries are struggling to budget for the licencing cost of new technologies like ebooks and e-audiobooks. Picture Denis Minihane

Irish libraries are grappling with an eBook crisis that’s eating up budgets with “huge and unsustainable” costs, and hitting librarians with onerous licensing agreements, disappearing titles, and price gouging.

The Library Association of Ireland has warned that both public and college libraries are encountering more and more issues with eBooks including “scandalous” price increases, restrictive licensing terms, and a lack of availability.