Transcript from DPLA/COSLA/ReadersFirst "Collaborating for Access # 6"

Here's a link to the recording of the most recent DPLA/COSLA/ReadersFirst "Collaborating  for Access": www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPqbEKTSRJI

What do librarians REALLY want from publishers, and how can smaller and independent publishers create a better ecosystem? In our sixth Collaborating for Access webinar, COSLA, DPLA, and ReadersFirst are partnering with the Independent Publisher Caucus to bring together librarians and smaller and independent publishers to explore how they can work together to provide greater access for patrons. Topics will include: Opportunities for independent publishers in the library market; licensing options that are most attractive to libraries; and ways that libraries and independent publishers can work together to mutual benefit.

Licensing to meet best-seller demand from the Big 5 is not working for us. We can offer fewer titles unless limited budgets are stretched to breaking point. Collections suffer in depth and diversity. Enhancing our use of medium and smaller publisher offerings can benefit authors . . . and us, with studies showing that collections grow, “power user” patrons read more, and circulation rise without cost increase. It will require developing more discovery methods and highlighting of available high-quality but lesser known works. Hey, our readers have to wait for the most popular titles anyway. Let them wait a little longer and give everyone more to choose from. Maybe YOU will help create the next best-selling blockbuster.