Overdrive has announced a new program today named “Test Drive.” It allows patrons to borrow e-readers and tablets from the library. Libraries taking part in this new program will have staff members trained in the devices to assist people in adopting the new technology.
The first e-reader certified by Overdrive for the new program will be the Sony PRS-T1 e-reader. Test Drive Approved device requirements include compatibility with the library’s eBook catalog, direct Wi-Fi checkout and eBook download via an on-board browser or app, and copyright protection (DRM) and lending practices that conform to rules as required by publisher permissions. Test Drive devices are selected based on durability, ease-of-use for library staff and patrons to setup and maintain, as well as battery life, performance, and other usability factors.
The Sony PRS-T1 is a WIFI enabled e-reader that has the Overdrive application incorporated right into the device. Not only can you borrow books but you can buy books from Sony and tap into the Google Books ecosystem.
In 2012 Overdrive will announce a series of new tablets into the fold because they are working on a new color selection of their books. They will be offering content such as children’s titles, graphic novels, cookbooks and other image-rich titles.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
