GoodeReader first covered ebook retailer startup Bilbary earlier this year, as well as at their meet up during this year’s BookExpo America publishing event. Today, Bilbary announced its first major US library partnership that will put ebooks in front of readers and much needed funding in library pockets.
By adding the Bilbary button to their online catalogs, libraries can offer great ebook access to their patrons. While these are books currently only available for purchase, libraries can earn as much as 50% of the profit from the sale of the book when patrons click through the Bilbary feature.
“Our long term aim is to help public and academic libraries provide ebooks to their patrons and to make available the widest possible collection of ebooks from all over the world. At this stage the site offers ebooks for sale and soon will provide subsidised book rentals to help libraries fulfil their role,” said Tim Coates, Bilbary founder.
While the Bilbary catalog currently holds only around 420,000 titles, that is far more than many libraries can afford to purchase for patron check-out. This partnership opportunity offers competitively priced ebooks to avid digital readers as well as helping patrons feel good about their reading purchases, as they help the patrons’ own libraries with each click.
The first major library partnership with Bilbary was announced today. The California Library Systems, or Califa, announced that it will make the Bilbary Kitten button available to all of its partner libraries for any users who wish to purchase ebooks.
Heather Teysko of Califa said, “We are happy to be offering this service to our member libraries who want to take advantage of it. The Bilbary Kitten is already available at Los Gatos Library website (www.losgatosca.gov).”
Mercy Pilkington is a Senior Editor for Good e-Reader. She is also the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing and consulting company.