Ensuring
Freedom from censorship
Librarians find themselves on the front line of book challenges and disruptions centered mainly around LGBTQ+ and race themed books and programs. Since 2021 book challenges and disruptions have more than quadrupled in the Commonwealth (link opens in a new window). While we recognize the right to challenge, we’re also working to build understanding and ensuring that everyone can see themselves reflected in our collections and services.
Unfair eBook pricing and practices
Exorbitant eBook pricing (link opens in a new window) and restrictive publisher licensing rules make it difficult to keep up with demand. (1) Residents wait on average more than a month for an eBook.
Here's an example:
Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel (9780385547376) by Bonnie Garmus
Library Pricing
for the eBook $55.00
Consumer Pricing
for eBook $14.99
Restrictions on library eBook:
License expires after 24 months.
Restrictions on consumer eBook:
Ownership does not expire.
Library Pricing
for eAudio $95.00
Consumer Pricing
for eAudio $24.99
Restrictions on library eAudio:
License expires after 12 months.
Restrictions on eAudio:
License does not expire.
The Massachusetts Library Association (link opens in a new window) and Library Futures (link opens in a new window) are working with Representative Ruth Balser on eBook legislation (link opens in a new window).
Budget line 7000-9506 is a priority.
Digital equity through Networks
Access to reliable internet is an issue of economic, educational, and social equity. The MBLC provides grants to library Networks to make internet and community Wi-Fi access affordable. This is an essential service for the estimated four-in-ten adults with lower incomes who do not have home broadband (link opens in a new window). (2) With libraries hosting 7,200 internet sessions on library computers daily and lending out laptops, tablets and hotspots, we’re working together to make sure reliable internet is available for all.
Budget line 7000-9506 is a priority.
Accessibility for all
With more than 780,000 people** with disabilities (link opens in a new window) living in Massachusetts, expanding access to library services is a priority. Whether it’s a newspaper, a website, the new best seller in large print, or simply a text or email, the talking book libraries at Perkins and Worcester are working to ensure that everyone can read what they want, when they want. Librarians across the state have been trained to increase accessibility (link opens in a new window) for residents who are visually impaired and for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Perkins (budget line 7000-9406) and Worcester (budget line 7000-9402) are priorities.
Cybersecurity
Networks are very aware of and are preparing against cyberattacks, especially since patron privacy (protected by Mass General Law) is integral to public library service. The online technical support Networks provide to libraries makes daily library transactions, like checking out a book, possible. A cyberattack on one of the Networks could shut down library services for an entire region of the state.
Budget line 7000-9506 is a priority.
1. https://www.readersfirst.org/publisher-price-watch
*Wait times are based on a 90 day report provided by OverDrive and vary by Network but all are more than 30 days.
**From the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission fact sheet
| Line Item Number and Name | FY2022 Budget | FY 2023 Budget | FY2024 Request | Increase Over FY2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7000-9101 Board of Library Commissioners | $1,702,272* | $1,731,586 | $1,904,745 | $173,159 |
| 7000-9401 Regional Libraries Local Aid | $14,100,731 | $14,516,000 | $15,967,600 | $1,451,600 |
| 7000-9402** Talking Book Program Worcester | $496,732 | $521,569 | $678,040 | $156,471 |
| 7000-9406** Talking Book Program (Perkins) Watertown | $2,828,147 | $2,969,554 | $3,860,420 | $890,866 |
| 7000-9501 State Aid to Public Libraries | $13,000,000 | $16,000,000 | $17,600,000 | $1,600,000 |
| 7000-9506** Technology & Automated Resource – Sharing | $4,518,373 | $4,744,293 | $6,167,581 | $1,423,288 |
| 7000-9508 Center for the Book | $300,000 | $400,000 | $440,000 | $40,000 |
| Totals | $36,361,524 | $40,883,002 | $46,618,385 | $5,735,383 |
*includes $75,000 earmark on 9101
**Funding priorities