2026 PASCAL Member Conference

As libraries confront increasing restrictions imposed through publisher and aggregator licensing, a growing national movement is emerging to reclaim access and preservation through the law. Drawing on work with the eBook Study Group (ESG), this keynote examines how states are coming together to advance coordinated legal strategies that push back against restrictive licensing regimes imposed on libraries that undermine their mission. By leveraging copyright exceptions, contract law, consumer protection statutes, procurement policies, and other tools, libraries can turn constraining frameworks into opportunities. This keynote highlights how collective legal action is helping libraries fulfill their enduring mission in today’s digital landscape.