Libraries have been constantly battling the development of technology for centuries. From the development of the printing press to digital content, audio books, music, and now eBooks. Libraries have always had a hard time keeping up with technology, whether it is budget driven, licensing issues, or just plain nepotism, they have had their work cut out for them in keeping patrons happy. With the advent of eReaders and eBooks, libraries are on the verge of losing patrons. “Consumers are already being led toward convergence of media by vendors catering to their disposable incomes; libraries are still offering patrons the digital equivalent of 8-track tapes. We either press now to make sure libraries have a seat at the table, or start making peace with being shut out entirely” (Hadro, 2010).
With the negative parties harping on the disadvantages libraries are going to have if they don’t “keep up” and the fact that they don’t feel eReaders will have their mark on many libraries radar, it can make for an overwhelming argument. Luckily, there are those out there that disagree with the naysayers and are making strides in incorporating digital books in patron friendly ways.
Jason Griffey, head of library information technology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga saw the potential of eBooks instantly. In his vision, an academic library could start streaming instructional videos and screen casts out to set-top boxes in a computer or media lab, as well as directly to students in their dorm rooms. A joint effort by the library and academic computing could create a college-specific “cloud space” where students could store e-textbooks (and other curricular resources) linked directly to annotations and indexed lecture notes and recordings. All items could be linked to a school's course management systems and library research guides, equally accessible via an eReaders device as on a desktop. (Hadro, 2010)
Another major player is Overdrive. Overdrive is one of the only major distributors of eBooks to libraries (including the New York Public Library). OverDrive’s advantage is that libraries will have access to a catalog of 350,000 digital titles, including the largest collection of iPod®-compatible audio books for libraries. If you have access to a library that has Overdrive, you're in luck. With a valid library card, you can download Overdrive's application onto your Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or your computer, and upon registration, browse, check out and enjoy a plethora of titles! (“Overdrive Advantage,” 2010)
OverDrive’s advantage for libraries and their patrons include:
· reduced waiting lists on popular audio books, eBooks and more.
· a custom collection of titles developed specifically for your community (i.e. Specialty Libraries, Youth and Teen Services, or Academic Libraries).
· continued access to titles you share with other libraries through interlibrary loan.
(“Overdrive Advantage,” 2010)
For a Demonstration of OverDrive, visit www.overdrive.com/products/dlr/demos/salesdemo.htm
While there are arguments for both sides of the adoption of eBooks and eReaders into library settings, the truth is that we don't know how the argument will turn out. Some libraries have made strides to incorporate digital books into their catalogs, others have yet to even show the slightest hint of doing so. What it may come down to is budgeting constraints, staffing expertise, and whether or not patrons show the desire to embrace new technology. Would you rather cuddle up with a paperback, or be able to pull out your Kindle, iPad or Nook in the middle of public transportation and read your latest checked out novel? That could very well be the question that dictates how firmly the library setting embraces eBooks, only time will tell.
References:
Hadro, Josh. (2010, February 15). In front of (e)readers. Library Journal, Retrieved from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6718546.html
Overdrive advantage. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.overdrive.com/products/dlr/advantage.asp
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