A Proposed Solution

Goal: To build a model where libraries can continue to access purchased ebook content in meaningful and useful ways.

Means: Through an alliance between Publishers, Aggregators, Libraries.

End: Practical solution providing ongoing access to purchased content through recognized alternative platforms.

Aggregator

Publisher

Archive

Registry

Library

Current Scenario

Publisher

Library

Aggregator Interface

Archive Agent (Portico, etc.

Black hole

Aggregator Repository

Aggregator Interface

Aggregator

Repository

Aggregator Interface

Aggregator

Repository

Aggregator Interface

Aggregator

Repository

Trigger Event

Publishers sign agreements with aggregators to distribute their titles in defined ways. Libraries sign agreements with aggregators to access titles in defined ways through the aggregators’ interface.

Publishers have agreements with archiving agents directly. However, in the case of a ‘trigger event’ (i.e aggregator going out of business), the archiving arrangements between the publisher and the archive agent are not called into play

If an aggregator suddenly disappeared, the library would lose ongoing (meaningful) access to all titles they purchased from the aggregator. Note that this content most likely is hosted by another aggregator (with varying but somewhat similar access models), but current license terms make no formal provisions for accessing content on a different aggregators site.

As ebook collections grow, the library faces greater risk of significant loss of to purchased ebook content. For libraries moving to ‘e-preferred’ policies, the effects could eventually be analogous to a natural disaster.

Proposed Scenario

Publisher

Library

Aggregator Interface

Archive Registry

Aggregator Repository

Aggregator Interface

Aggregator

Repository

Aggregator Interface

Aggregator

Repository

Aggregator Interface

Aggregator

Repository

Trigger Event

The publisher signs license and deposits content with multiple aggregators. Libraries sign agreements with aggregator(s) to purchase and access ebooks with perpetual access. A further neutral body(bodies) could be established as archival registry logging aggregator and library holdings.

Agreements would need to be put in place between aggregator and publishers and libraries and aggregators giving permission to access purchased content through alternative designated aggregators if a defined trigger event happens. These clauses could ideally be added to existing agreements between the parties.

If a trigger event occurred and one aggregator ceased to exist, the registry logs would be consulted. The registry would identify which titles the library owns (with perpetual access) and which aggregators hold those titles.

The library could then make arrangements for access with alternative designated aggregator(s) (or publisher’s site direct if they participate). The library would have ongoing access to the purchased titles.