A precedent setting legal case regarding digital works is currently underway in Maryland. On January 1, a Maryland law went into effect that requires Ebook publishers to license libraries on reasonable terms. Library associations have been advocating for more fair-minded terms which would allow them to access to Ebooks at lower prices. The groups say libraries pay too much … [Read more...] about Maryland Digital Works Law Challenged
Digital Library News
Toronto Public Library hits 9 million digital checkouts in 2021
The Toronto Public Library has emerged as the top lender of e-books, audiobooks, and e-magazines in 2021 as digital reading reached an all-time high last year. Overdrive revealed more than half a billion digital content was circulated through them in 2021. Specifically, it is 506 million e-books, audiobooks, and digital magazines that went into circulation in the past year, … [Read more...] about Toronto Public Library hits 9 million digital checkouts in 2021
Scroll to Screen:What Would Shakespeare Say?
I'm reading Shakespeare on an e-Reader; and it's surreal. By best guesses, William Shakespeare wrote Richard III around 1591. It's odd to consider... reading a book on a modern electric device that was written over 430 years ago on a scroll. I’m new to e-Readers, and to be honest, I’m a bit reluctant. I love books. I have a small personal library, which … [Read more...] about Scroll to Screen:What Would Shakespeare Say?
Libraries loan out 506 million ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines in 2021
Overdrive is the largest digital distributor for public libraries. The company serves 76,000 libraries and schools in 94 countries. In 2021, 506 million ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines were loaned out, which was a 16% increase over 2020. 121 public library systems in seven countries achieved one million or more digital book loans, while four school systems in two … [Read more...] about Libraries loan out 506 million ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines in 2021
This is how much Libraries pay for audiobooks and ebooks in 2022
Public libraries all over the world have robust audiobook and ebook catalogs. In order to carry this digital material, they need to do business with a digital distributor, such as Overdrive, Cloud Library, Hoopla and many others. These companies have established relationships with all of the major publishers, and they all have drastically different terms. Some have circulation … [Read more...] about This is how much Libraries pay for audiobooks and ebooks in 2022
New Overdrive Libby app update offers enhanced accessibility options
OverDrive said they have introduced some changes to the Libby app that are aimed at making it more accessible to all users, including those with visual, motor, or cognitive deficiencies. The company said they have taken inputs directly from those with visual defects - low vision to even blind individuals - thanks to their association with Fable to ensure the updates introduced … [Read more...] about New Overdrive Libby app update offers enhanced accessibility options
Bibliotheca adds Conde Nast to its NewsStand catalogue
Bibliotheca today announced that Conde Nast is now the newest addition to its NewsStand Catalogue. This makes for a considerable development considering that Hearst Media happens to be one of the largest publishers of magazines in the world with a presence on all platforms. With this, library members will have access to such hallowed titles as Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Vanity … [Read more...] about Bibliotheca adds Conde Nast to its NewsStand catalogue
New BingePass feature from Hoopla Digital offers unlimited access to magazines and videos
Hoopla announced the launch of its new BingePass service which is going to be available to libraries that are already partnering with hoopla digital. The new feature also integrates with the familiar hoopla digital interface, which will allow for a seamless transition to the new feature for current users. The users will also have week-long and unlimited access to titles under … [Read more...] about New BingePass feature from Hoopla Digital offers unlimited access to magazines and videos
The US is investigating the terms ebook distributors charge libraries
Two US representatives have written letters to aggregators that distribute and sell digital content to libraries. They want to know all about the standard ebook licensing agreements for every major publisher they work with, including Hachette, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster. This is not really a secret, Good e-Reader published a report earlier … [Read more...] about The US is investigating the terms ebook distributors charge libraries
Half a Billion ebooks will be borrowed from the public library in 2021
The public library has been open ever since the pandemic started and more people are borrowing digital content than ever before. Overdrive is estimating that over a half a billion audiobooks and ebooks will be loaned out in 2021. Public libraries around the world are seeing double-digit growth in their digital checkouts with Toronto Public Library leading the way, having … [Read more...] about Half a Billion ebooks will be borrowed from the public library in 2021