Keshia Horbul

From: CaroleAnn Churcher Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 2: 16 PM To: Dave Landers Cc: Steph Palmateer; George Pirie; Keshia Horbul; Noella Rinaldo Subject: RE: Statement on Equitable Public Access to Ebook Attachments: Request for support on Statement on Equitable Public Access to E- Books - Library.pdf

Hi Dave, Attached you will find our letter, proposed language for a resolution, a press release from the Canadian Urban Libraries Council ( CULC) and the statement. I' ve pasted the resolution wording below.

Whereas The City of Timmins recognizes the important role that libraries play in our community including the early literacy programs that are integral to developing proficient readers and ensuring that children succeed in school; and Whereas more and more digital literacy programs run by libraries also help ensure that citizens can contribute to our digita/ world. Additionally, vulnerable demographic groups, including seniors, low income families, youth, and new Canadians rely on access to libraries as an important tool for their participation in the community —from education to searching for jobs to consuming Canadian cultural materials, and

Whereas the libraries in our community recognize that library users increasingly seek to access digital publications offered by multinational publishers, and that access to those publications is too often curtailed by prohibitively high licensing fees or else entirely denied to Canadian libraries; in 2018 Timmins had 16,452 circulations of electronic publications, and

Whereas libraries must be in a position to offer digital publications to their users as part of their service offering to our community, particularly given the contemporary rapid pace of digitization of educational and cultura/ materials;

Now Therefore be it Resolved that The City of Timmins hereby:

1. Indicates our support for the Canadian Urban Libraries Council in its efforts to increase access to digital publications for library users in the City of Timmins and across ; and 2. Calls on the Federal government to investigate the barriers faced by libraries in acquiring digital publications and the problems that poses for vulnerable demographic groups in Canada; and 3. Asks the Federal government and our local Member of Parliament to develop a solution that increases access to digital publications across Canada and assists libraries in meeting the cost requirements to acquire digital publications.

Thank you, Carole-. lnn Churcher Chief Executive Officer Timmins Public Library 320 Second Avenue Timmins, P4N 8A4 Tel: ( 705) 360-2623 Ext. 8517 Tel: ( 705) 221- 1431 ( cell) Fax: ( 705) 360- 2688 tpl. timmins. ca Telephone: 705- 360- 2623 Administration: Ext. 8525 CM Shields Branch library Ext. 8590 Admin. fax: 705- 360- 2688

December 4, 2019

Mayor George Pirie City of Timmins 220 Algonquin Blvd. E.

Timmins, ON

P4N 1B1

Re: Statement on Equitable Public Access to E- books

Dear Mayor Pirie,

We are seeking support for the right of Canadian libraries to access digital content for our communities. Major publishing companies are placing severe restrictions on the ability for libraries in Canada to lend digital content, such as e- books and e- audiobooks, to our patrons. These restrictions have a direct impact on the residents of our city. This is not only a big- city problem; it affects smali northern and medium size libraries of our region.

Across the country, libraries are uniting in their fight against these harmful restrictions, including unsustainably high prices and embargoes on content. The Canadian Urban Libraries Council ( CULC) and the Urban Libraries Council ( ULC) of major U. S. library systems are working together to launch a communications campaign to highlight the issues and demand responsive change. Their plan is to work with publishers, authors and legislators to find a solution that is reasonable to all parties. Many North Ainerican mayors, have already signed a letter of support (see attached).

By supporting this campaign, you are standing up for equitable access, and advocating for e- book and e- audiobook publishers to institute fair, transparent and flexible lending models for public libraries. This is a unique opportunity to provide a northern voice on this issue which affects all of our libraries.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

z; , i f Noella Rinaldo Library Board Chair

L. < i 9 ;" ,_.__.' C c-t Carole- Ann Churcher

Chief Executive Officer Timmins Public Library: 320 2" d Avenue, Timmins, Ontario P4N 8A4 Charles M. Shields Centennial library/ Biblioth que:99 Bloor, Box 400, South Porcupine, Ontario PON 1 HO http: / 1tpl. timmins. ca December 3, 2019

Timmins Public Library

Draft Municipa) Motion:

Whereas The City of Timmins recogni2es the important role that libraries play in our community including the early literacy programs that are integral to developing proficient readers and ensuring that children succeed in school; and

Whereas more and more digital literacy programs run by libraries also help ensure that citizens can contribute to our diqital wor/d. Additionally, vulnerable demographic groups, inc/uding seniors, low income families, youth, and new Canadians rely on access to libraries as an important tool for their participafion in the community —from education to searching forjobs to consuming Canadian cultural materia/s, and

Whereas the libraries in our community recognize that library users increasingly seek to access digital publications offered by multinational publishers, and that access to rhose publications is too often curtailed by prohibitively high licensing fees or else entirely denied to Canadian libraries; in 2018 Timmins had 26,452 circulations of e/ ectronic publications, and

Whereas libraries must be in a position to offer digital publications to their users as part of their service offering to our community, particularly given the contemporary rapid pace of digitization of educational and cultural materials;

Now Therefore be it Reso/ved that The City of Timmins hereby:

1. Indicates our support for the Canadian Urban Libraries Council in its efforts to increase access to digital publications for library users in the City of Timmins and across Canada; and

2. Calls on the Federa/ government to investigate the barriers faced by libraries in acquiring digita! publications and the problems thai poses for vulnerab/e demographic groups in Canada;

and

3. Asks the Federal government and our local Member of Parliament to deve/op a so/utian that increases access to digital publications across Canada and assists libraries in meeting ihe cost

requirements to acquire digital publications. d

U R B A N LIBRARIES Canadian Libraries Council 7 ; Consdl dm Bf6liotheqae . .-. du Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2019

CULC/ CBUC Press Contad Jefferson Gilbert, Executive Director 416- 699- 1938 jgilbert@culc. ca

North American Elected Officials Send Message to E- Book Publishers: Price Gouging Public Libraries Is Unacceptable

Mayors from major urban jurisdictions sign statement urging e- book publishers to institute equitable and transparent pricing for public libraries.

TORONTO and WASHIN TON — Seventy- nine elected officials from North American cities and counties have signed the joint Canadian Urban Libraries Council / Conseil des Bibliotheques Urbaines du Canada and Urban Libraries Council' s Statement on Equitable Public Access to E- Books, championing the urgent need for equitable e- book pricing and access for public libraries. The statement has been signed by mayors and county executives from some ofthe largest urban jurisdictions in North America —together, these leaders serve over 44 million citizens.

The statement has been issued in direct response to Macmillan Publisher' s embargo on e- book sales to libraries that went into effect on November 1. With this new policy, libraries cannot purchase more than a single copy of new e- book titles from Macmillan for the first two months after the book' s initial publication. The Macmillan embargo will prevent libraries from providing equitable access to digital learning opportunities, widening the digital divide, and creating even greater obstacles for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Multinational Publishers are price-gouging taxpayers and intensifying the gaps between the haves and have- nots in communities of all sizes with their restrictive licenses and excessively high prices. Most concerning is the new e- book embargo imposed by Macmillan Publishers, which results in an intentional erosion of digital equity by severely restricting e- book access for library patrons," said CULC/ CBUC Chair Pilar Martinez and ULC President & CEO Susan Benton. " By signing the Statement on Equitable Public Access to E- Books, North America' s mayors and county executives are sending a powerful message they will not stand for the extreme restrictions e- book publishers are placing on public libraries, which limit/jeopardize their essential role as engines for democracy."

Developed by CULC/ CBUC in partnership with ULC, the statement serves as a platform for city and county leaders to show their support for the vital role that libraries play in building educated communities, and to add their voices to the call for e- book publishers to eliminate discriminatory lending models for libraries. The statement reads as follows: Major publishers have introduced severe restrictions to e- book and e- audiobook lending for public libraries, including embargoes on the sales of new titles and unreasonably high prices, which far exceed the prices offered for print books. As a result, libraries will be unable to fulfill their core functions in building educated, literate communities. These restrictions will be most harmful for populations who already face significant barriers to equitable knowledge and information access in our communities — including youth, people living with disabilities, and those with (imited financial means.

Public libraries play an essential role in leveling the playing field and strengthening the foundation of our communities. As digital technologies become increasingly inseparable from the ways that people learn, work, and interact, the library' s unique ability to create onramps for information and knowledge access is more important than ever. There is significant, rising demand for e- books and e- audiobooks from public library users— overall, digital content circulation is increasing by30% peryear.

As elected public officials and trusted leaders in our communities, we are committed to protecting and supporting the capacity of public libraries to:

Provide equal access for individuals to gain knowledge and become proficient with digital tools, regardless of their income, physical abilities, age, gender, sexual orientation, race, citizenship status or religion. Support lifelong learning and foster empathy, curiosity, civic engagement and a love of reading among community members. Educate community members about the rights, responsibilities and implications of their lives online, including data privacy risks when accessing online learning resources and digital content. Serve as valued partners to local government in advancing city/ county outcomes for digital inclusion and as institutions that support informed citizens.

Our cities and counties are strongest when all individuals have the same opportunities to further their personal, educational and professional goals. Our democracy is non- negotiable. We stand with all who are urging e- book and e- audiobook publishers to institute fair, transparent, and flexible lending models for public libraries.

The following mayors and county executives (USAj have signed on to the above statement:

IN CANADA

MayorJeff ehman Mayor Andy Adams , Ont. Campbell River, B. C.

Board Chair Rhona Martin Mayor Michelle Staples Columbia Shuswap Regional District, B. C. Duncan, B. C.

Mayor pon iveson Mayor Ron Oszust Edmonton, Alta. Golden, B. C.

Mayor Mayor , Ont. Hamilton, Ont.

CULC/ CBUC & ULC Press Release: Statement on E- Book Equity Mayor Mayor Leonard Krog Milton, Ont. Nanaimo, B. C.

Mayor Mayor Dan Carter Oakville, Ont. , Ont.

Mayorlim Watson Mayor Dennis Dugas , Ont. Port Hardy, B. C.

Mayor Gabriele Wickstrom Mayor Kris Olsen Port McNeill, B. C. Queen Chariotte, B. C.

eoard Chair Karla Kozakevich MayorJohn MacDonald

Regional Qistrict of Okanagan- Similkameen, B. C. Sayward, B. C.

Mayor Cliff McNeil- Smith Mayor Maja Tait Sidney, B. C. Sooke, B. C.

Mayor Mayor poug McCallum St. Catharines, Ont. Surrey, B. C.

MayorJohn Tory Mayor Gord Milsom , Ont. West Kelowna, B. C.

IN THE UNITED STATES

County Board of Supervisors Vice- President Mayor Ethan Berkowitz Keith Carson Anchorage, Alaska Alameda County, Calif.

County Executive Steuart Pittman Mayor Steve Adler Anne Arundel County, Md. Austin, Texas

Mayor Bernard Young County Executive lohn A. Olszewski Jr. Baltimore, Md. Baltimore County, Md.

County Judge Nelson Wolff Mayor Marc McGovern Bexar County, Texas Cambridge, Mass.

MayorThomas Bernabei Mayor Vi Lyles Canton, Ohio Charlotte, N. C.

Mayor ori Lightfoot Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin Chicago, III. Columbia, S. C.

County Board of Supervisors Chair John Gioia CityManagerT.C. Broadnax Contra Costa County, Calif. Dallas, Texas

CULC/ CBUC & ULC Press Release: Statement on E- Book Equity 3 Mayor Steve Schewel County Manager Wendel) Davis Durham, N. C. Durham County, N. C.

County Executive Bryan Hil) City Manager David Parish Fairfax County, Va. Greensboro, N. C.

Mayor Nancy B. County Commissioner Denise Driehaus Greensboro, N. C. Hamilton County, Ohio

Mayor Luke A. Bronin Mayor Sylvester Turner Hartford, Conn. Houston, Texas

County Executive Calvin B. Ball III Mayor Eileen Weir Howard County, Md. Independence, Mo.

County Executive Frank White Mayor Eric Garcetti Jackson County, Mo. Los Angeles, Calif.

County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak Mayor Satya Rhodes- Conway Lucas County, Ohio Madison, Wis.

County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti County Manager Dena Diorio Mahoning County, Ohio Mecklenburg County, N. C.

County Executive Marc Elrich County Council President Nancy Navarro Montgomery County, Md. Montgomery County, Md.

County Chair Deborah Kafoury MayorJohn Cooper Multnomah County, Ore. Nashville, Tenn.

MayorToni Harp Mayor LaToya Cantrel) New Haven, Conn. New Orleans, La.

Mayor Breea Clark MayorJim Kenney Norman, Okla. Philadelphia, Penn.

Mayor Bill Peduto County Council Chair Paul Livingston Pittsburgh, Penn. Richland County, S. C.

Mayor Lovely Warren Mayor Melvin Carter Rochester, N. Y. Saint Paul, Minn.

MayorJenny Wilson Mayor Ron Nirenberg Salt Lake County, Utah San Antonio, Texas

Mayor London N. Breed Mayor Sam Liccardo San Francisco, Calif. San 1ose, Calif.

CULC/ CBUC & ULC Press Release: Statement on E- Book Equity 4 Mayor Gleam Davis Mayor George Van Dusen Santa Monica, Calif. Skokie, lll.

County Executive Sam Page County Commissioner Richard Regula St. Louis County, Mo. Stark County, Ohio

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz Mayor Murie) Bowser Toledo, Ohio Washington, D. C.

Mayor lamael Tito Brown Youngstown, Ohio

Visit urbanlibraries. org for more information about the statement and the most up- to-date list of signatories.

About the Canadian Urban Libraries Council J Consei) des Bibliotheques Urbaines du Canada The mission of the Canadian Urban Library Council/ Conseil des Bibliotheques Urbaines du Canada CUIC/ CBUC) is to work collaboratively to build vibrant urban communities by strengthening the capacity of Canada' s urban libraries. For more than 25 years CULC/ CBUC has worked to ensure better library service within this nation' s populated urban areas. To achieve the mission the organization is dedicated to the following: Research; Capacity Building; and Knowledge Transfer.

The members attend to the needs of over 7. 5 million active users who on an annual basis make more than 384 million uses of our near 700 locations and virtual services. The membership employs more than 12, 000 library workers, more than 70% of all Canadians are served by a CULC/ CBUC member library and the associated activity comprises more than 80% of Canada' s public library activity. The mandate is ambitious and the reach significant.

About the Urban Libraries Council The Urban Libraries Council is an innovation and impact tank of North America' s leading public library systems. ULC drives cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships to elevate the power of libraries as essential, transformative institutions forthe 21st- century. More than 150 urban member libraries in the U. S. and Canada rely on ULC to identify significant challenges facing today' s communities and provide new tools and techniques to help libraries achieve stronger outcomes in education, digital inclusion, workforce and economic development, and race and social equity.

CULC/ CBUC & ULC Press Release: Statement on E- Book Equity URBAN LIBRARIES Canadian =,;. ; Ubrarica Counul Con[ aii des Bibllothlquea Urbaines du CanW C O U N C I L

Statement on Equitable Public Access to E- Books

Major publishers have introduced severe restrictions to e- book and e- audiobook lending for public libraries, including embargoes on the sales of new titles and unreasonably high prices, which far exceed the prices offered for print books. As a result, libraries will be unable to fulfill their core functions in building educated, literate communities. These restrictions will be most harmful for populations who already face significant barriers to equitable knowledge and information access in our communities — including youth, people living with disabilities and those with limited financial means.

Public libraries play an essential role in leveling the playing field and strengthening the foundation of our communities. As digital technologies become increasingly inseparable from the ways that people learn, work and interact, the library's unique ability to create onramps for information and knowledge access is more important than ever. There is significant, rising demand for e- books and e- audiobooks from public library users —overall, digital content circulation is increasing by 30% per year.

As elected public officials and trusted leaders in our communities, we are committed to protecting and supporting the capacity of public libraries to:

Provide equal access for individuals to gain knowledge and become proficient with digita) tools, regardless of their income, physical abilities, age, gender, sexual orientation, race, citizenship

status or religion.

Support lifelong learning and foster empathy, curiosity, civic engagement and a love of reading among community members.

Educate community members about the rights, responsibilities and implications of their lives online, including data privacy risks when accessing online learning resources and digital content.

Serve as valued partners to local government in advancing city outcomes for digital inclusion and as institutions that support informed citizens.

Our cities are strongest when all individuals have the same opportunities to further their personal, educational and professional goals. Our democracy is non- negotiable. We stand with all who are urging e- book and e- audiobook publishers to institute fair, transparent and flexible lending models for public libraries.

CULt CA • ( JRf3ANi 18RARIES OH