Users who are familiar with the technology behind Playaways, the preloaded mini-MP3 players that contain individual audiobooks, may remember that the company has a strong history of providing conveniently packaged "safe" content for multi-user consumption. Whether it's the stand-alone audiobook players or the US Navy-specific NERDs (Naval E-Reader Device) that came loaded for … [Read more...] about Playaway Unveils a Pre-Loaded, Controlled Tablet for Kids’ Circulation
libraries
Digital Is the Only Strategy to Save News Outlets
In an interesting juxtaposition in how ebooks were slow to "save" libraries, digital newspapers haven't been the "hit the ground running" salvation of newspapers, especially small town or locally owned news outlets. While it's true that print subscriptions are declining and digital is on the upswing, one keynote speech highlighted the data that says digital adoption isn't … [Read more...] about Digital Is the Only Strategy to Save News Outlets
Amazon and Overdrive Giving Up on Kindle e-books in Libraries?
Overdrive has been delaying the Kindle editions of e-books in the United States on titles from major publishing companies. No new Kindle edition has been available from Penguin since December of 2014 and since February 2015, not a single e-book from any major publisher has become available. Is this due to a falling out with Amazon or their current contract expiring? Or … [Read more...] about Amazon and Overdrive Giving Up on Kindle e-books in Libraries?
Digital Library Trends for 2015
Libraries in all over the world are undergoing a digital renaissance as major publishers have firmly committed themselves to the concept of making e-Books available. Today, we look at some of the biggest trends facing libraries in Canada, US and United Kingdom. A recent report by the Library Journal has stated that 95% of all US libraries have an e-book collection. That’s up … [Read more...] about Digital Library Trends for 2015
New York Libraries Give Free Hotspots Away to Low Income Familes
The New York Library system is rolling out a new program that will allow thousands of low income families to be able to borrow wireless hotspots from their local library. This stems from a one million dollar donation from Google and a $500,000 grant from the Knight News Challenge. The wireless hotspot program was successfully piloted by The New York Public Library over the … [Read more...] about New York Libraries Give Free Hotspots Away to Low Income Familes
Overdrive for Chomebooks Now Available
Overdrive has just released their first app for Chrome OS, which also works as a standalone app for the Chrome internet browser. It was designed as a tool to primarily read eBooks that you borrow from the library. Over 35,000 libraries all over the world use Overdrive as their content distribution system of choice. When you borrow eBooks, audiobooks, music or videos from … [Read more...] about Overdrive for Chomebooks Now Available
Young People are Reading As much as Adults
The Future of libraries and publishing looks bright, as young people are reading as much or more than adults. A new report by Pew gives us some new data on the reading habits of adults and millennials. The community and general media-use activities of younger adults are different from older adults. Those under age 30 are more likely to attend sporting events or concerts than … [Read more...] about Young People are Reading As much as Adults
Mosio Adds a Layer of Relevance to Libraries
Libraries are certainly working under difficult constraints while working to remain a relevant source of community support and engagement. The constant slashing of budgets, reductions in staff and hours of operation, and the obstacles libraries have faced in ebook lending have all led to stress levels of many libraries. But a new service from Mosio will add a layer of relevance … [Read more...] about Mosio Adds a Layer of Relevance to Libraries
IDPF: What the Future Holds for Libraries
The first two keynotes at this year's IDPF Digital Book conference were focused on looking to the future for books. Peter Brantley, of the non-profit startup Hypothes.is Project whose goal is to develop a deeper dialogue between libraries and publishers, spoke from the library and ebook lending perspective, specifically what digital implications there will be for these … [Read more...] about IDPF: What the Future Holds for Libraries
Hoopla Digital Adds New Digital Titles for Libraries
Long before digital content made its way into academic and public libraries, content providers supplied the book, movie, music, and periodical needs of these institutions with physical editions. Ahead of this year's BookExpo event, one of the largest library media providers, Midwest Tape, has announced it will begin providing digital content to libraries through its hoopla … [Read more...] about Hoopla Digital Adds New Digital Titles for Libraries