Overdrive is the company that powers the vast majority of the public library systems digital catalog, they have an insane market share not only in North America, but Europe too. They are in the process of launching a new feature called Hold Redelivery will allow users to suspend a hold even after it’s made available to them while maintaining their place on the waitlist. By … [Read more...] about Overdrive is launching Hold Redelivery soon
Digital Library News
Big 5 Publishers Digital Lending and Purchase Models for Public Libraries
Public libraries in the United States, who have a audiobook and ebook collection, have to deal with all of the big five publishers. Each publisher has different terms and conditions, as well as pricing. This can create headaches for collection managers. Some books can 1200% more than what people pay on Amazon for the same title, while others expire after a certain number of … [Read more...] about Big 5 Publishers Digital Lending and Purchase Models for Public Libraries
Publishers, stop price gouging Canadian ebooks
Publishers are in the position where they can dictate the terms of how much they sell digital books to public libraries. Most charge 2x to 5x the retail price that you would pay on Amazon, a bestseller would often cost a library $60 each and they expire after a certain number of loans or in two years, whatever comes first. Good e-Reader has a very comprehensive data that was … [Read more...] about Publishers, stop price gouging Canadian ebooks
Macmillan CEO defends Library ebook embargo as boycotts mount
A delegation of state librarians met with Macmillan CEO John Sargent last week and the publisher reiterated their claims that new ebooks in the library are hurting their sales. Macmillan has concerns that ebook sales are rising in public libraries but declining with consumers. Sargent stated that a new digital book release was akin to a new movie hitting theatres and they have … [Read more...] about Macmillan CEO defends Library ebook embargo as boycotts mount
Free Library of Philadelphia stops selling cards to non-residents
The Free Library of Philadelphia is the 14th largest library in the United States and for almost ten years they have offered a paid library card system, where non-residents can pay $50 per year and borrow auadiobooks and ebooks online. This is similar to the Orange County Library System, Fairfax, Free Library of Philadelphia and many others. In an email to people who paid for a … [Read more...] about Free Library of Philadelphia stops selling cards to non-residents
These are the most checked out library books in New York
New York and the 5 boroughs have vastly different tastes when it comes to borrowing books from the public library. We have received new data from all of the different library systems to give you a sense on what people are borrowing and reading. One of the most interesting aspects of this list are that 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 top most of the lists. This is because in all … [Read more...] about These are the most checked out library books in New York
Libraries positively impact retail ebook sales
There is a growing negative sentiment that when libraries loan out print or ebooks, that it cannibalizes retail sales. This is why Macmillan took the unprecedented step in only allowing libraries one digital copy of their new ebooks and embargoed additional copies until eight weeks later. Libraries and distributors such as Overdrive, Bibliotheca and Hoopa have publicly stated … [Read more...] about Libraries positively impact retail ebook sales
ALA starts an online petition against new Macmillan ebook policy
The American Library Association has just written a petition, citing their utter and complete disdain for the new Macmillan library terms. Macmillan is basically only allowing one ebook copy to be available for libraries during the first eight weeks of release and libraries can only issue one ebook at a time.In a July memo addressed to Macmillan authors, illustrators, and … [Read more...] about ALA starts an online petition against new Macmillan ebook policy
Bibliotheca, Hoopla and Overdrive are angry with major publishers
Major publishers have recently changed their ebook terms, en masse. Simon and Schuster changed their audiobook system from a perpetual model to a two year term. Hachette changed their perpetual model system last month and Penguin Random House did the same back in October. Last summer Macmillan implemented an embargo on all new titles to libraries with their science-fiction and … [Read more...] about Bibliotheca, Hoopla and Overdrive are angry with major publishers
Macmillan is going to embargo all ebooks to libraries by 2 months
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
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
