New York Public Library Now Offers Online Books

(Via RLG Shelflife)

In early November the New York Public Library began offering some 3,000 titles in electronic book format. Choosing from among bestsellers, nonfiction, romance novels and self-help guides, patrons borrow the titles for set periods, downloading them for reading on a computer, a hand-held organizer or other device using free reader software. When they are due, the files are automatically locked out and returned to circulation, eliminating late fees. Library e-books aren't new, but the NYPL chose to wait for software that would let users read materials on hand-held devices, freeing them from computers. The key was portability and a "book-like experience," said the library's acquisitions director. And the key seems to fit. In the first eight days of operation -- and with little fanfare -- the library's cardholders checked out more than 1,000 digital books and (with a limited number of licenses for each book) put another 400 on waiting lists. "The lending model is identical to what libraries already have, but lending is 24/7. You can borrow from anywhere and have instant, portable access to the collection," said Steve Potash, president of software provider OverDrive.

New York Times (9 Dec 2004)

Posted by Tom on December 16, 2004