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
Digital Library News
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
Libraries can now share thoughts and recommendations with Libby
Overdrive Libby has just gained new functionality for libraries to share thoughts, quotes, trivia and recommendations. Shelf Talkers provides a new space for each library to showcase their curatorial expertise and knowledge through personal notes to patrons within the Libby app. Shelf Talkers in Libby allow librarians to connect with readers by recommending titles, providing … [Read more...] about Libraries can now share thoughts and recommendations with Libby
The Internet Archive fights back against major publishers
A couple of weeks ago, major publishers doubled down on their multi-year lawsuit against the Internet Archive and requested a summary judgement. The Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Random House, and Wiley — brought the lawsuit on behalf of themselves and their authors after the Internet Archive refused to halt its infringement of tens of thousands of … [Read more...] about The Internet Archive fights back against major publishers
World’s largest computing society open sources first years of its publications
The Association for Computing Machinery or ACM has announced it is making available all of its publications that date back to the 1950s till the end of 2000. Specifically, the publications date back to 1951, which makes for all that the organization published during the first fifty years of its existence. The digitized version of the published articles is now available to view … [Read more...] about World’s largest computing society open sources first years of its publications
Students can listen to free audiobooks and read ebooks all summer long
Students often let reading slide to the summertime, but it is important to build good habits and read all of the time. In response, OverDrive Education is offering the most expansive Sora Sweet Reads summer reading program yet, May 4–August 17. In its ninth year, this free program is designed to help educators and students beat the “summer slide” with popular digital reading … [Read more...] about Students can listen to free audiobooks and read ebooks all summer long
Libraries Unintentionally Offered ‘Hate’ Books via Digital Services
Hoopla and OneDrive are digital media services used by more than 8,500 libraries in the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. They allow library patrons access to movies, audiobooks, and ebooks. Libraries buy a subscription to their services, and unlike buying physical books, librarians don’t always have input or control of what’s included. Recently, some librarians have … [Read more...] about Libraries Unintentionally Offered ‘Hate’ Books via Digital Services
Brooklyn National Library allows teens free access to e-books to protest book bans
The Brooklyn Public Library said they have made its entire collection of e-books and audiobooks accessible to teenagers across the United States for free. The library said this is being done to protest against the recent trend of banning books in the country. This forms part of an initiative named Books UnBanned which makes those aged between 13 and 21 to be eligible for an … [Read more...] about Brooklyn National Library allows teens free access to e-books to protest book bans
NY Library Offers Free Banned e-reader Books
For the month of May, the New York Public Library (NYPL) will be releasing four banned books nationwide using SimplyE, which is a free-reader app.There is an interesting commonality between all of the titles; they are all award-winning highly praised books, however, due to their subject matter, they are also viewed as controversial, as some parents and educators have … [Read more...] about NY Library Offers Free Banned e-reader Books
The main Overdrive app is now discontinued
Overdrive has discontinued their main Overdrive Media Console app for Android and iOS. Starting last month, the app is no longer listed on Google Play the Apple App Store. Existing users who have the app will be able to use it, until the end of the year and then all of the services will be shut off. Overdrive is encouraging users to upgrade to Libby, which is the new app they … [Read more...] about The main Overdrive app is now discontinued
Overdrive Hub is your online destination for digital content
Overdrive is the largest company involved in the digital library sector and they power the collections of thousands of branches all over the world. The company has just launched a new initiative called Hub, which has new outreach tools, data reporting dashboards and catalog management services to empower librarians to reach and engage patrons more efficiently.The Overdrive … [Read more...] about Overdrive Hub is your online destination for digital content
Celebrating the Public Domain
Jan 1st is a day worth celebrating. Not only is it New Year’s Day, but it’s also Public Domain Day. This is when copyrights expire, and works are able to enter the public domain; meaning people can access them for free.This year, the public domain welcomed some big names. The first published works from William Faulker Ernest Hemingway, as well as the first Winnie-the-Pooh … [Read more...] about Celebrating the Public Domain
Maryland Digital Works Law Challenged
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
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?