Libraries are in for a whirlwind of change when it comes to their audiobooks and ebooks. Every major publisher has revised their terms and are obviously sabotaging the entire library system. Macmillan is now taking the cake with their draconian three month embargo of all titles.The Macmillan science-fiction and fantasy imprint TOR was the blueprint of things to come. They … [Read more...] about Macmillan is going to embargo all ebooks to libraries by 2 months
Digital Library News
The invisible library: the positive side of increased mobile use
Every year individuals spend more of their day looking at screens, both in the US and around the world. That time includes "traditional" forms of screen time, like watching television, but increasingly it means being online and connected to the digital world. The ubiquity and convenience of handheld mobile devices like e-readers, tablets, and smartphones, means that they are … [Read more...] about The invisible library: the positive side of increased mobile use
You can now listen to Overdrive Libby Audiobooks via Apple CarPlay
Overdrive powers the audiobook and ebook collections of 90% of all libraries in North America and the company has just issued a new update for Libby, so audiobooks can be listened to via Apple CarPlay. All you need is at least an iPhone with iOS 7.1 or newer.The app’s CarPlay integration for rented audiobooks through supported libraries features the ability to change … [Read more...] about You can now listen to Overdrive Libby Audiobooks via Apple CarPlay
Dozens of US libraries are boycotting audiobooks
Over 50 libraries in the US are boycotting audiobooks published by Blackstone audio. This is because Blackstone is going to embargo most of their new release titles by 90 days. The libraries are just the first wave and hundreds of libraries are considering joining the boycott.Blackstone quietly announced its 90-day window on new audiobook releases last month in a message to … [Read more...] about Dozens of US libraries are boycotting audiobooks
Simon & Schuster changes audiobook and ebook terms for libraries
Simon and Schuster has just notified libraries that they will have new terms for audiobooks and ebooks that will go into effect on August 1st, 2019. Digital books will now have two year licenses, instead of one. New releases will cost libraries around $38.99 and $52.99. The publisher will also provide libraries with a select number of ebook titles and libraries will only pay … [Read more...] about Simon & Schuster changes audiobook and ebook terms for libraries
The ALA is taking the high prices of ebooks to the US Congress
Canadian libraries have been complaining for years about the draconian prices publishers charge for ebooks. They often have to pay 500% above the retail cost just for a single use book to loan out to one customer at a time. Many publishers have also revised their business models too, instead of an ebook being valid on a perpetual basis, they now expire after two years. Canadian … [Read more...] about The ALA is taking the high prices of ebooks to the US Congress
Major publishers are sabotaging the public library
Penguin Random House comprises the vast majority of ebooks published on a yearly basis and Macmillan and Hachette almost comprise of the rest. These companies have recently revised their contracts with the public library. Libraries will now have to purchase ebooks that are only good for two year contracts and then will have to devote the resources to see what books they want to … [Read more...] about Major publishers are sabotaging the public library
Pokémon ebooks now available at the library
Overdrive has announced that Pokémon graphic novels are now available for libraries to purchase. Library patrons and students of participating public libraries and schools can borrow and read digital versions of Pokémon Adventures and Pokémon movie adaptations manga titles published in English.Pokémon is endlessly popular, with more than 300 million video games and over … [Read more...] about Pokémon ebooks now available at the library
Libraries are experiencing an influx of new patrons
Libraries in Canada and the United States are experiencing an influx of new memberships due to digital library cards. This is a relatively new initiative that Overdrive launched the service in 2017. Patrons can sign-up for a card using their smartphone and start borrowing audiobooks and ebooks via the main Overdrive app or Libby.Last year, public libraries and schools … [Read more...] about Libraries are experiencing an influx of new patrons
