Unlocking Better Access: EBSCO Rolls Out New DRM Solution for Libraries

EBSCO is excited to announce the adoption of a new Digital Rights Management (DRM) solution for EBSCO eBooks, LCP DRM, offered by EDRLab. This strategic move is set to bring significant benefits to publishers, libraries, and their patrons, enhancing the overall user experience and ensuring better content protection.  

Why the Change?  
EBSCO has always been committed to providing secure and accessible content to libraries worldwide. The adoption of LCP DRM is a step forward in evolving our DRM capabilities to meet modern standards. This new solution is designed to offer a more secure, vendor-neutral reading experience for EBSCO eBooks, free from the constraints of traditional DRM systems like Adobe.  

Key Benefits for Libraries:  

1. Enhanced Security and Modern Standards:  LCP DRM provides robust protection for digital content, ensuring that publishers' works are safeguarded against unauthorized access and distribution. This modern standard has been widely adopted by 100 companies globally, reflecting its reliability and effectiveness.   
    
2. Vendor-Neutral Reading Experience:  Unlike traditional DRM systems, LCP DRM does not require users to have an Adobe account. This eliminates the need for additional account management, simplifying the process for library patrons.   
    
3. Improved Accessibility:  The new DRM solution is fully accessible and integrates with Thorium Reader for desktop reading, which meets all global accessibility requirements. This ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and enjoy digital content without barriers.   
    
4. Non-Profit Collaboration:  EDRLab, the provider of LCP DRM, is a non-profit organization. By partnering with them, EBSCO aligns with a community-focused entity dedicated to improving digital content access and protection.   

Implementation Timeline:  
EBSCO is currently a member of the EDRLab community and is in the process of implementing the LCP DRM solution. The goal is to have this new system in place for all libraries and users worldwide by the time the ADA Title II update is effective in the spring of 2026, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to library services. We will provide updates on release timing on the EBSCO eBooks Roadmap. 

Looking Ahead:  
This transition to LCP DRM marks a significant milestone in EBSCO's ongoing efforts to enhance digital content delivery and protection. We are confident that this new solution will provide a more secure, accessible, and user-friendly experience for libraries and their patrons.  

For more information, you can refer to EBSCO Connect.