In a February 9, 2012, article on Paidcontent.org Laura Hazard Owen writes that Penguin Books made this comment, “In these ever changing times, it is vital that we forge relationships with libraries and build a future together. We care about preserving the value of our authors’ work as well as helping libraries continue to serve their communities. Our ongoing partnership with the [American Library Association] is more important than ever, and our recent talks with ALA leadership helped bring everything into focus. Looking ahead, we are continuing to talk about our future plans for eBook and digital audiobook availability for library lending with a number of partners providing these services. Because of these discussions, as of February 10, 2012, Penguin will no longer offer additional copies of eBooks and audiobooks for purchase via Overdrive. Physical editions of Penguin’s new and backlist titles will continue to be available in libraries everywhere.”

These days technology seems to taking over and doing so at a rapid pace.  Sometimes we forget, though, that traditional businesses, like old fashioned publishing houses, still provide useful services, that is, bringing many good titles to the public.  There is no reason that old fashioned publishing houses like Penguin have to jump on the technology band wagon and they are showing us who is boss.

Does this mean that they will lose significant market share?  Maybe, maybe not.  We shall see.

Like the offended and immature lover who, angry at his helpful partner, reduces himself to curing and obnoxious behavior and who hides his hand when called to task, we may find that the new technology often forgets to acknowledge how dependent it is on the traditional publishing houses and just how much power the traditional publishing houses wield.

What does this mean for the future of e-books and books?  We shall see.