Readers First Digital Library License Standards Project
Published June 12, 2026
The digital librarians who participate in the Readers First Working Group have developed a set of standards for digital book licenses that align with our values and goals for the digital collection and that allow us to collect sustainably. We offer these standards as a reference for digital collection librarians who are seeking to adjust collection procedures and policies to address current challenges with digital licenses.
Digital Library Book License Standards: for digital collection librarians, an outline of sustainable license terms
Implementing the Standards: for selectors, how one consortium uses the standards in OverDrive Marketplace
Publishing Stakeholder Companion: for distributors and publishers, information to contextualize the standards and invite mutually beneficial conversation about digital licenses.
eLending Legislation Position Paper
Published June 17, 2022
This paper primarily targets school and public librarians who collect digital books and who are interested in the legislative advocacy to enable the same access to digital books that libraries have to print, including print-like prices. Excerpts of the content may also be useful in educating legislative aides who have questions about proposed digital library book legislation. Finally, publishers, authors, and booksellers may wish to understand library advocates’ rationale for pursuing legislative solutions.
Download the eLending Legislation Position Paper
eLending Position Paper
Updated December 2, 2020
This paper proposes a single licensing model for digital library books that aligns with print but optionally enables the unique capabilities of eLending: perpetual licenses and concurrent use. The model enables:
improved flexibility, which will help libraries better support the healthy culture of reading valued by both libraries and publishers
no significant cost increase for libraries or revenue decrease for publishers
In addition to introducing the model, the paper describes the evolution of license terms since 2011 for eBooks and eAudiobooks, analyzes the impact of the model changes on collections, and suggests how adjustments might benefit both publishers and libraries. Finally, it submits recommendations for moving forward.