The public library is one of the ways that savvy users can get free audiobooks and ebooks. They can be read on your smartphone, tablet or e-readers. Kobo e-readers are especially good since they have Overdrive integration in all their devices, making browsing, borrowing, and reading possible. One downfall of libraries' digital shelves is that users can be put on a waitlist for … [Read more...] about Seattle Library is decreasing the number of holds for ebooks
Digital Library News
Macmillan Audiobooks are now available on Cost-Per-Circ
Overdrive has just announced that they have signed a deal with Macmillan to participate in their Cost-Per-Circ program for libraries. This is a relatively new initiative, it is good for libraries since all of the Macmillian audiobooks can be added to the collection and only pay when a reader borrows it. These copies can exist alongside a One Copy/One User or Metered Access … [Read more...] about Macmillan Audiobooks are now available on Cost-Per-Circ
Concerns linger for libraries as states react to rising book bans with new legislation
As book bans sweep across the nation, state legislatures are taking action, but concerns over the potential impact on libraries are surfacing alongside these efforts. According to a recent report from the American Library Association (ALA), the number of banned books surged by nearly two-thirds in 2023, totaling over 4,200 titles, NBCNews reported. Alarming figures reveal … [Read more...] about Concerns linger for libraries as states react to rising book bans with new legislation
Scribd now rebranded as Everand
Scribd, the file-sharing platform that also hosts e-books and audiobooks is no more. To put it in the right perspective, the company is now renamed as Everand. Earlier, there used to be three separate entities - Everand, Scribd, and SlideShare that users had access to. Also, each was confined to their respective domains. For instance, user-uploaded documents used to be … [Read more...] about Scribd now rebranded as Everand
OverDrive Reveals Insights into Ebook and Audio Growth in K-12 Schools
According to a new report released today by OverDrive digital reading is surging in K12 schools nationwide. The State of K-12 Digital Reading is based on data from Sora and reveals some fascinating insights into the reading habits of students across different age groups. The Sora student reading app is available in more than 62,000 K-12 schools worldwide; Sora offers the … [Read more...] about OverDrive Reveals Insights into Ebook and Audio Growth in K-12 Schools
Fraudsters exploit Z-Library fundraising drive, New features introduced
In a concerning turn of events, the renowned shadow library platform, Z-Library, finds itself embroiled in a battle against fraudsters capitalizing on its latest fundraising campaign. The initiative, aimed at securing crucial funds that the library said it needs for project maintenance and development, has inadvertently become a target for scammers looking to deceive … [Read more...] about Fraudsters exploit Z-Library fundraising drive, New features introduced
Publishers score significant legal victory against Internet Archive in copyright battle
In a landmark ruling, book publishers have secured a significant legal victory against the Internet Archive (IA), marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing war against copyright violators. As TorrentFreak reported, the decision, handed down by a New York federal court, underscores the critical importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the digital age. The … [Read more...] about Publishers score significant legal victory against Internet Archive in copyright battle
Major shadow libraries Anna’s Archive and LibGen blocked following court order
In a significant development in the ongoing battle against online piracy, two major shadow libraries, Anna’s Archive and Library Genesis (LibGen), have been blocked following a court order issued by the Rotterdam District Court in Denmark, TorrentFreak reported. These shadow libraries, notorious for hosting vast collections of copyrighted material without authorization, have … [Read more...] about Major shadow libraries Anna’s Archive and LibGen blocked following court order
Library removes fees in exchange of cute cat photos
Libraries are renowned for their innovative community outreach programs. From painting workshops, to teen book clubs, to ESL classes and engaging public speakers, there is no end to what a library may offer. A unique and adorable program out of Massachusetts is garnering a large amount of feel-good press. March Meowness is happening now, and it's the purrfect combination of … [Read more...] about Library removes fees in exchange of cute cat photos
Urgent need for digital scholarly article preservation
In the ever-expanding digital landscape, a concerning reality emerges: millions of scholarly articles risk fading into obscurity due to inadequate efforts to preserve the same. A recent study, as Nature.com reported, examining over seven million digital publications, revealed a disconcerting trend – more than a quarter of these valuable works are not being adequately archived … [Read more...] about Urgent need for digital scholarly article preservation
Storytel will distribute 25,000 audiobooks to Overdrive
Overdrive is the most prominent digital distributor of audiobooks and ebooks to public libraries worldwide. They have just signed an agreement with Storytel, quickly becoming one of the best audiobook companies. They recently entered the North American market by purchasing audiobooks.com. This new agreement will offer access to an unparalleled and culturally diverse selection … [Read more...] about Storytel will distribute 25,000 audiobooks to Overdrive
CMS takes stand on Parents’ Bill of Rights, discontinues e-book platform for elementary students
In a recent development, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has bid farewell to an e-book platform utilized by elementary students, citing concerns stemming from a newly enacted North Carolina law. As the website WCNC stated, the platform in question, EPIC, has been a cornerstone in providing access to a rich library of over 40,000 books, audiobooks, and educational videos. … [Read more...] about CMS takes stand on Parents’ Bill of Rights, discontinues e-book platform for elementary students
Lafayette Public Library expands digital collection, offering readers access to over 400,000 titles
In a bid to enhance the reading experience of its patrons, the Lafayette Public Library is set to revolutionize its digital lending platform. With the introduction of cloudLibrary by Bibliotheca, readers will soon have access to an extensive array of literary treasures, nearly doubling the current collection size, the website Kpel965 reported. This initiative is poised to … [Read more...] about Lafayette Public Library expands digital collection, offering readers access to over 400,000 titles
Overdrive Libby is great for digital magazines
Overdrive Libby is tremendous for digital magazines, audiobooks, and ebooks. Over 56 million magazines were borrowed from digital libraries. That was a 75% increase over 2022. There are 4,000 magazines currently available, and collection managers love them because there is no circulation cap and unlimited simultaneous use access so that patrons can enjoy every issue of every … [Read more...] about Overdrive Libby is great for digital magazines