(BOSTON 11/17/2025) — The Massachusetts Senate voted unanimously last week to help Massachusetts public libraries more easily and accessibly provide in-demand digital resources such as e-books and audiobooks.

An Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections, S.2710, would create a special legislative commission to assess and address challenges faced by public libraries and digital resource collections. Over the last several years, e-books and audiobooks have become an increasingly prevalent resource used by library patrons, yet they have become a financial burden for already strained public libraries.

The commission would be tasked with examining the evolving landscape of digital resources in public libraries, focusing on costs, access, privacy, and policy implications.

“E-books, audiobooks, and other digital resources are increasingly in demand by the public, but providing these resources are cost prohibitive for libraries and often come with unwieldy sets of restrictions,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The commission established by this bill will help streamline the process for libraries to license books and other digital materials, expanding access to knowledge to more Bay Staters.”

The commission would study cost trends that affect libraries and the sustainability of electronic resources, as well as assessing how consumers use these resources. The commission is also tasked with researching expert opinions on the legal differences between digital licensing and traditional print use, identifying how these variations influence user experience and equitable access to diverse collections. Additionally, it investigates how consumer data is managed, used, and shared through library digital platforms to identify potential privacy and consumer protection concerns.

While libraries can often purchase physical books at significant discounts, digital content is rented by the library, often for a higher price than what a regular consumer would pay. These contracts often expire after a period of time, or a number of checkouts, meaning libraries are forced to pay recurring fees at a disproportionately high price.

Over the past decade, Massachusetts libraries have spent more than $50 million in local, state, and federal tax dollars to provide access to digital resources. Yet due to the high recurring cost of renting these materials, most libraries’ electronic resources collections are relatively small, with the average patron having to wait over two months for access to popular titles.

By reviewing the actions of other states in digital resource development and management, the commission aims to provide informed recommendations for legislative and executive measures that support the sustainability and accessibility of electronic resources, ensure the continuation of public lending to residents, and safeguard consumer data.

The Senate passed the bill to be engrossed on a 37-0 roll call. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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