SCL position on e-book lending in libraries: feedback from Share the Vision and RNIB
1. Introduction
Share the Vision and RNIB have a common interest in improving access to reading for print disabled people and we therefore welcome SCL's timely position statement on e-book lending in libraries.
For the first time ever, e-books have the potential to provide equitable access to reading for print disabled people. It is estimated by the Right to Read Alliance that one in eight people in the UK is print disabled and historically only a tiny proportion of books have ever been transformed into accessible formats that they can read. This year LISU conducted research for RNIB on the accessibility of the most popular 1000 books published in the UK during 2011 ( The research found that, not including eBooks, only 17 per cent of 2011's most popular books were fully accessible. Including eBooks, accessibility rose to 76 per cent, showing what a dramatic opportunity eBooks represent to increase the overall availability of books for print disabled people.
Print disabled people could therefore particularly benefit from ebook services because for the first time they offer equitable choice, speed of access, and portability.
For some print disabled people, commercial eBook services are unaffordable and therefore afree eBook lending serviceprovided by local public libraries is a valuable service.
However a user survey carried out by RNIB in 2011 found numerous barriers to accessing ebooks for print disabled people, such as inaccessible websites, difficulty finding eBook services, and problems with logging on, navigation and downloading (
2. Comments
2.1 We are pleased that SCL is committed to working together with the wider book trade to responsibly grow the e-book market, nevertheless we would like to see equal if not greater importance accorded to the ambition, expressed lower down in the document, to widen access to e-books for the benefit of a wide range of readers.
2.2 The points made in para 8could usefully be made more prominent in the document showing how libraries are important allies with the book trade in encouraging access to digital reading.
2.3 We agree that public libraries have a key role to widen access to e-books by reaching out to all sections of the community including those that cannot easily access printed material. Print disabled people might be specifically cited here as an example.
2.4 It should be stated (para 3) that digital rights management should not restrict access to content by people using technologies such as screen readers. Libraries should expect their suppliers to require publishers not to apply, or to disable, any DRM that excludes or disadvantages print disabled people from using eBook services like anyone else.
2.5 We welcome the reference to print disabled people at the close of para 5; however we feel that the statement "We would also wish to seek support for the aim to enable access for all including those with visual and other disabilities" is weak. RNIB's guidelines on accessible ebook services in public libraries ( a reminder that libraries
have a statutory duty to promote equality of opportunity and not to discriminate against people with disabilities. Any public library planning to deliver an ebook service should carry out an impact assessment under the Public Sector Equality Duty on the effect that the service would have on blind and partially sighted people. They should then take steps to minimise any negative impact or to make alternative proposals. If a library's existing ebook service is inaccessible to people with disabilities they would need to make alternative arrangements to fulfil the reasonable adjustments duty under the Equality Act.
2.6 We recognise that decisions about delivery and charging are a local matter (para 6) however we would urge that digital is no different in terms of the fundamental role of libraries in providing access to reading material.
2.7 We suggest that SCL also explicitly supports the demands of authors that eBook loans are included in PLR as provided for in the Digital Economy Act. If loans of eBooks and downloadable audio books continue to grow but are excluded from PLR, the whole system could be distorted, giving an inaccurate picture of library loans and failing to give just reward to authors.
Conclusion
Share the Vision and RNIB welcome SCL's timely statement on eBooks and would like to see it strengthened especially in terms of the benefits and issues for people who cannot read print.
We would be pleased if SCL were to draw attention to our points in discussion with the DCMS Task Force on eBook lending or in any other relevant situation. We would of course be pleased to participate directly in any discussions that will improve access to eBooks via libraries especially for print disabled people.
Background
Share the Vision (STV) is a partnership of UK libraries and library organisations that work together to improve the accessibility of library services for print disabled people.
RNIB is the UK's largest membership organisation of blind and partially sighted people. Its priorities include supporting independent living and creating an inclusive society and it has wide ranging expertise in accessibility.
Helen Brazier
Head of National Library Service, RNIB
Co-ordinator, Share the Vision
Mark Freeman
Chair, Share the Vision
Jon Hardisty
Senior Librarian, Digital Services, RNIB
18 October 2012