Libraries Await CD Windfall

Music CD price-fixing settlement benefits libraries in 40 states

By Kathy Ishizuka -- School Library Journal, 5/1/2004

The Beatles, Bach, and Beyoncé are about to bring sweet music to many libraries as part of a $143 million nationwide price-fixing settlement against major music labels and retail chains. Starting in May, seven million CDs valued at $74.6 million, will be distributed to public libraries and schools in 40 states.

Recipients won't have a say in the music they receive, but Gene Hainer, director of library development services at the Colorado State Library, assures that there will be a quality selection, ranging from classical to contemporary. "The titles are supposed to be a variety of genres, not just castoffs and cutouts from the music suppliers," he says, adding that libraries can expect CD shipments to start arriving sometime between May and October. Florida schools can expect mainly country, blues, Latin, jazz, and classical, while public libraries will get rock and children's stories, as well as classical music.

Not only are the CDs hugely welcomed during these tough economic times, but music is a big draw at libraries, especially with kids, says Sue Hill, director of the Capital Area District Library in Lansing, MI, where music accounts for approximately six percent of its circulation.

Although it's hard to imagine that any library would refuse such a gift, Colorado's libraries may decline their shipment and return it to the state library for redistribution to branches with slimmer CD collections. Libraries may not, however, accept the CDs and donate them to charities, which would violate the terms of the settlement.