Amazon to introduce e-book library

Reportedly, Amazon is working on a new business model for e-books. The idea is that paid subscribers will have access to an online e-book library. The ebook library will mainly contain older books.

According to The Wallstreet Journal, Amazon currently negotiates with several publishers to set up this e-book library. It is debatable whether all publishers are happy with the e-book library. An e-book subscription model can bring e-bookprices further down. The Prime subscription costs $ 79 a year and offers subscibers unlimited access to the e-book library.

To compensate publishers, Amazon plans to pay them a significant amount, if they agree to work with the company. Amazon also offers to limit the number of e-books that a customer can borrow per month.

A possible price decline of e-books is a major issue for publishers and authors. Recently, two Danish authors announced they will no longer publish any new e-books because of the low price of e-books. It will be interesting to see whether the publishers see a future in the e-book library of Amazon.

Read more about e-books on FutureofCopyright.com:

• Google Books reaches deal with French publisher La Martinière
• Online bookstore Bol.com considers "Spotify-model” for ebooks
• Authors and press publishers worry about making a living in the digital age

References: Ereaders.nl en Nu.nl

By: Karen Groen