Rhode Island law limits terms in public library digital book contracts

The law bars certain terms in contracts between libraries and publishers or aggregators. The rules cover digital books and audiobooks licensed for libraries that serve the public or receive public funds in Rhode Island. A contract may require a fee for each loan only if its total cost is substantially lower than buying the item outright. Limits on total loans or contract length are allowed if the publisher also offers a perpetual-use license at a reasonable and equitable price agreed to by both sides. The chapter does not affect existing contracts that are currently in force.

Libraries, library officers, borrowers, or the attorney general may seek remedies for prohibited contract terms. These remedies concern library contracts for digital books and audiobooks with terms barred by the chapter. The attorney general must publish notice that at least four other states have enacted substantially similar enforceable limits and that their combined population is at least 10 million. Contracts with prohibited terms are unenforceable, and parties may be barred from enforcing those terms. The chapter takes effect when the attorney general publishes the required notice.