Digital Loans Surge at Vancouver Libraries, Costs Skyrocket

BREAKING: In a historic first, the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) reports that digital material loans have surpassed physical copies, marking a significant milestone in library history. This shift comes as digital formats like e-books and e-magazines cost libraries three to five times more than their print counterparts, raising urgent questions about funding and accessibility.

UPDATE: According to VPL’s latest data, total digital circulation skyrocketed by 16 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, while physical circulation saw a decline of 3.5 percent. This surge follows increased demand during the pandemic when residents turned to digital resources as in-person visits dwindled.

Kay Cahill, VPL’s director of collections and technology, stated, “The more it’s increased in popularity, the more it’s become an issue.” With 1.8 million items in the physical collection and approximately 696,000 digital items, libraries are grappling with how to maintain adequate digital inventories amidst rising costs.

The financial implications are stark. For instance, the cost of a print copy of Rebecca Yarros’ *Onyx Storm* is around $30, but the digital version costs $85. This discrepancy forces libraries to allocate substantial portions of their budgets to digital content—up to 30 percent of material budgets for many urban libraries, according to the Canadian Federation of Library Associations.

VPL’s $65 million budget allocates only 8.5 percent for collections, predominantly consumed by salaries and facility costs. Jenny Marsh, executive director of the Vancouver Public Library Foundation, emphasized the growing gap: “Libraries pay significantly more for digital materials than individual consumers, and as digital usage increases, the budget struggles will become more pronounced.”

The Vancouver Public Library Foundation is actively campaigning for targeted funding to help offset these costs. With a current fundraising goal of $2 million annually, the foundation seeks to bridge the financial gap and ensure continued access to digital materials for the community.

Officials are calling for urgent policy changes. The Union of B.C. Municipalities has proposed that the provincial government increase funding from $14 million for all library systems in B.C. to $30 million. More than 90 percent of library funding is sourced from local government, leaving libraries vulnerable to financial constraints.

As demand for digital content continues to grow, the need for sustainable funding models has never been more critical. The Canadian Federation of Library Associations warns that without government intervention to address restrictive licensing and pricing practices, the situation will only deteriorate.

WHAT’S NEXT: Library officials and advocates are urging immediate action from policymakers to implement funding solutions that will sustain digital collections and ensure equitable access for all community members. As digital borrowing trends continue to evolve, the future of library services hangs in the balance.

This urgent issue resonates with library patrons and advocates alike, as they rally to support access to essential digital resources in an increasingly digital world. Stay tuned for further developments on the funding and policy discussions that will shape the future of libraries across Canada.