Dangerous Perils to Literature Exceeding Censorship Measures
In the current literary landscape, the traditional role of libraries as a permanent repository of books and periodical literature is under threat. A crucial step towards restoring this role is the development of open-source models that connect publishers and libraries directly. This direct connection is a key objective of Brick House, a writers' cooperative, who are working to establish an intermediary-free link between authors, publishers, libraries, and readers. Hundreds of small publishers have joined Brick House in this mission. However, many more publishers and authors are interested in joining but are unable to due to exclusive rights contracts with intermediaries. These contracts pose a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of direct models. The dominance of a few players in the distribution stage of books and magazines in the USA is another challenge. OverDrive and Baker & Taylor hold a significant market share, with OverDrive accounting for around 80-90% of e-book lending to libraries. KKR, a private equity firm, controls a significant portion of library e-book loans through the OverDrive/Libby platform, with as much as 90% of loans attributed to them. Amazon commands over 80% of the e-book market, leaving little room for smaller players. This dominance extends to journalism, with exclusive, rental-only distribution agreements making newspaper and magazine archives in US libraries vulnerable to billion-dollar companies. The financial might of these companies is evident. EBSCO Industries, The Follett Corporation, Ingram Industries, and Clarivate all have annual revenues exceeding $2 billion, while KKR boasts $22.7 billion in assets. The impact of these developments on educational institutions and research is profound. The damage done to universities, libraries, schools, and research institutions by attempts to dismantle the country's literary culture by certain political groups is irreparable. In an attempt to address this, the Library of Congress has attempted a takeover this year. Meanwhile, the Smithsonian has scheduled a 'patriotic' review of collections, and military libraries have removed volumes on gender and diversity. In this dark moment for our culture, protecting and strengthening library collections is more important than ever. Writers, journalists, and educators have a unique opportunity to preserve and rebuild these institutions, and it is crucial that they seize it now. The future of our literary heritage depends on it.
