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Penguin decides libraries can lend new ebooks again

In a move that's sure to make readers very happy, publishing company Penguin has decided to reintroduce its newly released ebooks to public library lending programs.

Ebooks

In a move that’s sure to make readers very happy, publishing company Penguin has decided to reintroduce its newly released ebooks to public library lending programs.

The notion of lending ebooks through libraries is still a very new concept, and one that still makes publishers nervous because of the possibility that sales would drop and piracy would run rampant. Last year Penguin decided to yank all its books from all library lending programs that used Overdrive, the lending platform used in conjunction with the Amazon Kindle library lending. Eventually, Penguin did bring a portion of ebooks back to the lending program, with the exception of new releases.

Now, the company is reintroducing new releases through library lending programs from 3M and Baker & Taylor. Starting April 2, people will be able to check out new releases the same day a hardcover book is put on sale at retail stores, reports the AP. However, once one person checks out a particular new release book, no one else can gain access to it until it’s been “returned.” Libraries also need to repurchase these digital books once per year to keep the lending licensing up to date.

“Penguin is proud to make all of our eBooks available to library patrons,” said Penguin VP of online sales and marketing Tim McCall in a statement. “After careful examination of our pilot programs, we are ready to take the next step and offer what consumers and libraries have been asking for, thus fulfilling our mission to bring new writers to readers.”

One giant downside to these lending programs is that Kindle users won’t be able to gain access to the new releases since the Kindle platform isn’t yet supported.

Via PaidContent

Ebook image via Shutterstock

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