(31 October 2018) Following extensive discussions, libraries in the Netherlands have come to an agreement with publishers and others about eBook availability in the country.
Published in the Official Journal on 24 October, the Covenant (available in Dutch) promises to ensure that more books are available for e-Lending by libraries, within a shorter period of time.
The government press release suggests that the number of eBooks which libraries can lend could rise from 21 000 to 27 000, with libraries able to add them to their catalogues between six and twelve months after publication.
The deal is also good news for authors, who will be the main beneficiaries of the additional money made available – an additional €3M a year from 2021.
IFLA has the interview, in English, here.
