As digital music grows more and more ubiquitous, public libraries want in on all the action. Allowing digital downloads of content is something that many libraries across the country have begun doing. But I wonder, can we get an iPod or iPhone to replicate the mesmerizing smell of that old book?
“It may be about time to dig out that old library card. Hoping to draw back readers, libraries have vastly expanded their lists of digital books, music, and movies that can be downloaded by their patrons to a computer or MP3 player — and it doesn’t cost a cent, unlike, say, media from Apple Inc’s iTunes or Amazon.com Inc,” Paul Thomasch reports for Reuters.com.
“In Phoenix, for instance, branches have banded together to create a digital library that currently has about 50,000 titles of e-books, audiobooks, music and videos that can be “checked out” from anywhere. Once discovered, says Tom Gemberling, the electronic resources librarian for the Phoenix Public Library, the program often proves wildly popular,” Thomasch continues to explain.
Now the programs are available in thousands of libraries across the country, and work like this: Get a library library card, some internet access, download some simple software (the Adobe Digital Editions, the Mobiepocket Reader or the OverDrive Media Console.
Next, simple browse around the given library’s website, select some titles you like, add them to your digital book bag and click the download button. You can place an item on hold if it isn’t available.
The item remains on your computer’s hard drive for up to three weeks before disappearing, which means that you don’t have to bother with returning the book, CD or DVD to the library.
Reuters.com explains that “One of the main distributors to libraries is OverDrive Inc, based in Cleveland, which has deals with publishers including HarperCollins and Random House as well as music labels like Alligator Records. David Burleigh, OverDrive’s director of marketing, says the company now has an inventory of around 100,000 titles, works with about 7,500 libraries and has racked up millions of downloads of its media player and digital check-outs.”
“We also know we are touching only a small percentage of each library’s patrons. Everyone we talk to is like ‘Wow, you do that?’” he says. “It’s a like this nice secret, that we of course don’t want to be kept secret.”
“People like the portability of it,” Jim McCluskey, collection development assistant manager for Washington State’s Sno-Isle Libraries, which will soon be offering iPod compatible downloads.
“A lot of our libraries are cramped for space,” McCluskey adds, “Material that doesn’t take up shelf space and is available 24/7 — that’s really attractive for libraries.”
Full article here
