In Canada and the United States the vast majority of public libraries have an ebook collection. Overdrive stated that they power 95% of all libraries and there are a number of smaller companies that are involved in this field as well, such as Hoopla and Bibliotheca. There are a number of e-readers that have functionality to deliver ebooks right from the library and read them … [Read more...] about The best e-readers to borrow ebooks from the library
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Digital Publishers see strong gains in audiobooks and ebooks
Major publishers have all reported that the second quarter of 2019 that audiobook sales are increasing and ebooks are doing quite well. Audiobooks are not really a surprise, everyone is busy digitizing their front-list and also paying more attention to their backlist. The fact that ebook sales are doing well, is partly attributed to movie tie-ins and customers have got used to … [Read more...] about Digital Publishers see strong gains in audiobooks and ebooks
80% of books published from 1924 to 1963 should be in the public domain
Books entering the public domain are not easy to figure out. This year most books from 1923 entered the public domain with, more to follow every year. But there's another source of public domain works: until the 1976 Copyright Act, US works were not copyrighted unless they were registered, and then they quickly became public domain unless that registration was renewed. One … [Read more...] about 80% of books published from 1924 to 1963 should be in the public domain
Amazon Publishing Nabs Several Top Authors
Amazon Publishing certainly isn't new to the industry anymore, but somehow, people continue to be surprised by the names the company manages to publish under its different imprints. According to Publishing Perspectives, Dean Koontz, horror author of more than 45 titles, is the latest name to sign with Amazon for a five-book deal, the first of which will release … [Read more...] about Amazon Publishing Nabs Several Top Authors
The Myths about Blue Light, Screen Time, and Eye Damage
Experts and advocates have warned for some time--pretty much since the advent of widespread mobile device use--that the screens themselves were physically harmful to users. With a lot of the focus being on damage to the retina due to "blue light" from overly bright smartphone and tablets screens, people have not only bought into the fear, but retailers have also bought the … [Read more...] about The Myths about Blue Light, Screen Time, and Eye Damage
Simon & Schuster changes audiobook and ebook terms for libraries
Simon and Schuster has just notified libraries that they will have new terms for audiobooks and ebooks that will go into effect on August 1st, 2019. Digital books will now have two year licenses, instead of one. New releases will cost libraries around $38.99 and $52.99. The publisher will also provide libraries with a select number of ebook titles and libraries will only pay … [Read more...] about Simon & Schuster changes audiobook and ebook terms for libraries
UK ebook sales have increased by 5% in 2018
Book sales in the United Kingdom decreased by 5.4% last year, which has put a stop to the growth that has been occurring since 2014. In 2017 book sales were £3.11 billion and in 2018 total sales were £2.95 billion. These figures are from the UK Publishers Association, which published its annual yearbook. One of the reasons why print books are falling is due to the interest … [Read more...] about UK ebook sales have increased by 5% in 2018
When our ebooks stop working
One of the great pitfalls of buying ebooks is that there is no true sense of ownership. This is quite evident when Microsoft decided to close their digital bookstore last month and customers will be losing all access to everything they purchased and free books sometime in July. Sure lots of ebook stores have closed over the years such as the Sony Reader Store and Nook UK, but … [Read more...] about When our ebooks stop working
The ALA is taking the high prices of ebooks to the US Congress
Canadian libraries have been complaining for years about the draconian prices publishers charge for ebooks. They often have to pay 500% above the retail cost just for a single use book to loan out to one customer at a time. Many publishers have also revised their business models too, instead of an ebook being valid on a perpetual basis, they now expire after two years. Canadian … [Read more...] about The ALA is taking the high prices of ebooks to the US Congress
Canadian ebook sales represent 17% of total book sales
Canadians tend to be enamoured with the print format and over the past three years there has been little change. Paperback books represent 49% of all purchases, which is slightly down from 54% in 2016. Meanwhile hardcover sales have increased and now represent 26% of total sales, which is up from from 24% in 2016). Digital books have fluctuated from 17% in 2016 to 19% in … [Read more...] about Canadian ebook sales represent 17% of total book sales