The Toronto Public Library is developing a book vending machine at Union Station and it should be available by the end of the year. This is the first time something like this has been done in Toronto and if its successful more units will be rolled out in the future. The exact logistics have not been worked out yet, but there will be a number of perennial bestsellers … [Read more...] about Toronto Library is Developing Book Vending Machine
Digital Library News
Major Publishers Might Revise eBook Pricing for Libraries
The Association of American Publishers has just released their annual data report and e-book sales are not doing that great. In the first three months of 2015 they have plummeted 7.5% from the same period last year. In all of 2014 e-books have more or less stabilize with only 3% growth from the year prior and this is forcing publishers to evaluate their policies on selling … [Read more...] about Major Publishers Might Revise eBook Pricing for Libraries
How Does Your Library Encourage Reading?
Many libraries are trying out new tactics in order to encourage people to read. Some are giving book recommendations on your checkout receipt based on the title you borrowed, while others track the number of books you read and if you read 1,000 before the child enters kindergarten (repeats are okay) they get a backpack, a certificate, and their name on the wall. One … [Read more...] about How Does Your Library Encourage Reading?
Overdrive Digital eBook Lending Now Available in Japan
Overdrive, the largest company devoted to digital library lending has just expanded into Japan. Ryugasaki Public Library is the first branch to children’s and young adult literature, graphic novels, manga and much more. In the coming days, Itako Public Library will also launch their OverDrive-powered website enabling readers to take the library with them wherever they travel on … [Read more...] about Overdrive Digital eBook Lending Now Available in Japan
Hoopla is giving Overdrive a run for their Money
Hoopla is quietly becoming a force to be reckoned with and is constantly adding content to their catalog and will soon give Overdrive a run for their money. The success of Hoopla is attributed to their unique pay per use system. This means that libraries only pay them money when a patron borrows a title, each e-book does not cost money on its own. This is a big advantage … [Read more...] about Hoopla is giving Overdrive a run for their Money
Overdrive Announces the Future of e-Book Lending for Libraries
A few months ago Overdrive was acquired by Rakuten, the same Japanese e-commerce company that purchased Kobo. When the deal went through many librarians were quietly wondering if the status quo would be maintained or if the company would pivot into a new direction. At the American Library Association annual conference Overdrive has released a new road map that will give … [Read more...] about Overdrive Announces the Future of e-Book Lending for Libraries
CBC Interviews Michael Kozlowski on Library e-books
Libraries all over Canada are disheartened because of the high cost associated with e-books. This has prompted a new coalition to be formed that is trying to bring public awareness to just how bad it is getting. The Toronto Public Library, Canadian Library Council, Ontario Library Association and the Canadian Library Association want to bring awareness to the super high … [Read more...] about CBC Interviews Michael Kozlowski on Library e-books
Why Do Libraries Pay More Money for e-books?
Libraries in Canada and the United States have been quite enamored with establishing digital collections. This includes audiobooks e-books, magazines, newspapers and video. 95% of all libraries in these two countries have an e-book collection and the costs are starting to add up. Predatory pricing by major publishers are pricing their e-books almost 500% more than the Kindle … [Read more...] about Why Do Libraries Pay More Money for e-books?
Canadian Libraries Band Together Over High e-Book Prices
Canadian Library organizations have banded together to launch a website that wants to bring public attention to high e-book prices. The Toronto Public Library, Canadian Library Council, Ontario Library Association and the Canadian Library Association want to bring awareness to the super high prices publishers are charging them for e-books. They cite number examples, such … [Read more...] about Canadian Libraries Band Together Over High e-Book Prices
Overdrive Responds to the UK Library e-book Study
Last week a massive new report was released in the United Kingdom that looked at remote e-book lending. The study found e-Book loans are roughly 5% in the UK and 39% of e-book borrowers said that they were much less likely to visit a bookshop; 37% said they were much less likely to purchase printed books; and 31% said they were much less likely to purchase e-books. Overdrive, … [Read more...] about Overdrive Responds to the UK Library e-book Study