As we reported on at the end of February, a coalition of library workers and advocates have organized a March of Action for libraries. The coalition is hosting a series of Congressional briefings in response to the growing concern about fair access to digital rights, including ebooks, audio books and other digital resources. The coalition invited concerned stakeholders, such as … [Read more...] about Panel examines libraries as ‘political battlegrounds’
Digital Library News
Overdrive removes their app from Google Play and Apple App Store
Overdrive announced last year that they were sunsetting their main library app, the Overdrive Media Console. They have now removed it from Google Play and the Apple Store last week. This shouldn't come as a big surprise, they started displaying in-app messaging to OverDrive app users informing them about the upcoming sunset of the legacy app with a prompt to upgrade to … [Read more...] about Overdrive removes their app from Google Play and Apple App Store
Backlash over University’s plan to make libraries ‘all digital’
Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College are currently in the process of consolidating into one academic community which will be called "Vermont State University". As part of this transition, administrators announced on February 7th that it would be making massive changes to the university’s programs, by cutting sports and closing all … [Read more...] about Backlash over University’s plan to make libraries ‘all digital’
127 Libraries loan out 1 million ebooks in 2022
Libraries all over the world are loaning out a copious number of ebooks. Overdrive has just announced that 127 libraries have surpassed one million checkouts over the course of 2022. In total, 555 million ebooks, audiobooks, digital magazines and more were checked out by readers last year.In 2022, Los Angeles Public Library became the first library ever to hit ten million … [Read more...] about 127 Libraries loan out 1 million ebooks in 2022
A record number of ebooks were borrowed from the library in 2022
Borrowing audiobooks and ebooks from the public library is very popular in 2022. More people have checked out digital content than ever before. This is due to a few factors, the rising cost of buying ebooks and audiobooks is getting more expensive and libraries have also invested heavily in their collections, to cut down on waiting times.During the year, readers borrowed … [Read more...] about A record number of ebooks were borrowed from the library in 2022
OverDrive hits 3 billion checkouts
Overdrive has announced that since the year 2000, they have facilitated over 3 billion eBook checkouts. These have been borrowed by millions of readers from libraries around the world through OverDrive and the Libby reading app. More readers than ever before are borrowing ebooks and audiobooks from their local library through the Libby app. Back in 2012, OverDrive celebrated … [Read more...] about OverDrive hits 3 billion checkouts
Print books vs e-books, their lifespan compared
The advent of e-books might be showcased by many as the advent of a new era for readers and writers though the ground realities can be vastly different than what catches the eye. As a blog post pointed out, the good old paper books might still hold the edge vis-a-vis their paper counterpart considering that these require little to no maintenance and can last for centuries at a … [Read more...] about Print books vs e-books, their lifespan compared
Hoopla is now providing Masterclass video content to libraries
Master Class are online tutorials that are hosted by some very famous people. Neil Gaimon has one on the art of storytelling and ditto with Dan Brown who has one on writing thrillers. You might have seen Masterclass ads running on social media or YouTube, but might not have yet pulled the trigger to subscribe. There is now another alternative, the public library.Hoopla … [Read more...] about Hoopla is now providing Masterclass video content to libraries
For the Love of Libraries
Not all book lovers are the same. We for sure have one thing in common- the love of reading. However, there can be vast differences in what we choose to read (fiction, non-fiction, genres), as well as the medium by which we choose to engage (print, newspapers, eBooks, audio books, graphic novels etc.)There are some people (aka people richer than I) who love going to the big … [Read more...] about For the Love of Libraries
Kanopy brings video Unlimited subscription model to libraries
Kanopy is the leading streaming provider of high-quality films that matter. The company partners with filmmakers and movie studios around the globe to give movie-lovers free access to films that stimulate imagination, promote learning and spark meaningful conversations. Many films on Kanopy—including from iconic suppliers like the BBC, NEON, Samuel Goldwyn Films, HISTORY, … [Read more...] about Kanopy brings video Unlimited subscription model to libraries
Brooklyn Public Library suspends out of State Cards
The Brooklyn Public Library has one of the deepest digital collections of audiobooks and ebooks. The library used to offer residents of different states the ability to get a digital library card for a $50 per year. This program is now suspended and this service is no longer being offered. It is likely the library was paying too much money for digital goods and not seeing enough … [Read more...] about Brooklyn Public Library suspends out of State Cards