eContent for Libraries

Calgary Public Library members love their eBooks and audiobooks.

In 2024, over five million digital titles were checked out.  

Major multinational publishers are placing restrictions on digital titles, including some prominent Canadian works.

Libraries lend digital copies just like physical books — on a one-to-one basis — but the cost for digital copies is exponentially higher. This means you may find yourself waiting a very long time to borrow digital titles.

These actions from publishers limit what titles people can access, which makes it challenging for public libraries to provide equitable access to information for everyone. 

Lending Models and Pricing

Public libraries also face excessively high prices and restrictive purchasing models for both digital audiobooks and eBooks. When we purchase an eBook or audiobook for our collection, we’re purchasing a license for the book which is more expensive. This means that access to these titles will expire within a determined timeframe or number of checkouts. In some cases, libraries are paying four or five times the amount of what a regular consumer may pay. For example:  

Onyx Storm – YARROS, Rebecca (2025)

Consumer Pricing

• Consumer Pricing eBook (Amazon/Kobo): $16.99 CAD
• CAD Audiobook (Kobo): $41.99 CAD 
• Hardcover (Amazon/Indigo): $29.99 CAD

Library Pricing

• Library Pricing eBook: $85.00 CAD per copy (expires after 24 months)  
• Audiobook: $156.85 CAD per copy (expires after 24 months) 

Why aren't some titles available? 

Both Canadian multinational and independent publishers are starting to produce their own digital audiobooks. However, rights to their titles may be sold to U.S. producers, making them unavailable in Canada. If they are sold to Audible, the U.S. digital audiobook subscription service that moved into Canada in 2017, they often cannot be purchased by libraries. These include Giller nominees and Canada Reads titles.