Frankfurt Panel Urges Publisher-Library Collaboration for Older and Midlist Titles
A Frankfurt Book Fair session on the digital library market brought together three people working between publishers and libraries. Heather McCormack of OCLC CloudLibrary reported that audio circulation has exceeded ebooks for two years, with romantasy now leading audio fiction and horror expanding. The panel spent most of its time on publisher licensing terms for libraries, including the common 26-loan cap before a title must be bought again.
At Frankfurt Book Fair, a session titled “What’s Next for the Digital Library Market” gathered three professionals who work across publishing and libraries. Heather McCormack, OCLC CloudLibrary’s digital content director, said audio lending has topped ebook lending for two years. Romantasy now leads audio fiction, ahead of thrillers, while horror is gaining.
Much of the discussion concerned publisher terms for library lending, a long-running friction point. Under the usual model, a library may lend a digital title 26 times before buying it again. The panel also encouraged partnerships around older and midlist titles.
If publishers and libraries collaborate more on older and midlist digital titles, readers in communities with limited bookstore access could gain broader choices. Authors whose works are no longer new may see longer discoverability and income tails. Libraries may face different budget pressures depending on licensing terms, while publishers could weigh expanded access against revenue concerns. The outcome may shape how widely digital culture remains available beyond bestsellers and new releases.