Libraries Connected is running a national programme to improve how public libraries and independent publishers work together on ebooks. Funded by Arts Council England, the project builds on earlier work to explore more effective and sustainable approaches to digital lending.

Ebook lending is widely available in public libraries, but access is often limited by high costs and "one copy, one user" licensing. Previous research by Libraries Connected found that people who borrow large numbers of ebooks are also likely to buy books, pointing to opportunities for more flexible models that benefit both libraries and publishers. It also highlighted that ebook lending can be difficult for independent publishers to navigate.

This programme focuses on practical solutions. It will develop simple ways for libraries and independent publishers to connect and support smaller presses to understand how library ebook lending works in practice.

A key strand of the work will look at manga and graphic novels, where demand is growing quickly, particularly among children and young people. The project will explore how widely these titles are available as ebooks, how licensing and pricing operate, and which publishers are active in the UK. The aim is to develop practical recommendations that improve access for readers while supporting sustainable models for publishers.

Alongside this, Libraries Connected will continue its work with medium and large publishers, exploring ebook policies, pricing and the wider market, and building on relationships developed through earlier phases of work.

Light-touch research will run throughout the programme to make sure the experience of libraries and evidence from across the sector inform discussions with publishers and partners.

The project is led by Emma House, founder of Oreham Group and former Deputy CEO of the Publishers’ Association, with a national reference group including the Booksellers Association, British Library, The Reading Agency, the Publishers Association, the Society of Authors and CILIP.