How is progress towards the discussion with publishers going? There is a
useful article in Library Journal that looks to me to be a good start that
might be useful in informing the debate here in the UK:-
'Our Ebook Future. The Digital Shift. Librarians and publishers in dialog'.
1st October 2011
Kate Sheehan talks to Random House’s Madeline McIntosh
Katie Dunneback talks to HarperCollins’s Josh Marwell
Jim Carmin talks to Melville House’s Dennis Johnson
There is more information and a link on the E-Books page of the Local
Government Library Technology (LGLibTech) wiki
https://lglibtech.wikispaces.com/E-Books
Ken
CEO, Ken Chad Consulting Ltd
Tel +44 (0)7788 727 845. Email: [log in to unmask]
www.kenchadconsulting.com
Skype: kenchadconsulting Twitter: @KenChad
Open Library Systems Specifications: http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com
See my recent presentations on slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/kenchad
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Edwards, Stephen
Sent: 15 September 2011 11:33
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: ebooks again
Can I suggest that all interested parties get behind the SCL Digital
Group, chaired by Mark Taylor, which is working on a digital strategy
and action plan. I am hoping that building on the former MLA e-books
(community of practice) group's work via an e-books sub group of the SCL
Digital group we will be able to make some progress in a very uncertain
world.
Mark and a few other of us have been trying to persuade the Publisher's
Association to move on its limited view of the library role in providing
e-books. Our main challenge at the moment is getting acceptance of a
library e-book loan model. This leads on to the problem of content, or
rather lack of it. With UK publishers being mostly very shy of making
their e-books available for libraries to purchase and now with Amazon
exploring the idea of loaning e-books, our potential USP and growth area
in the context of diminishing traditional use is fast receding. This is
a crucial issue for all you movers and shakers to get involved in.
Therefore, I am thinking the SCL e-books group could meet in the autumn
and support some of the following actions:
1) Sending out a press release reissuing the SCL position statement on
e-books (have a look on the SCL website if you have not seen it) sent to
the Publishers Association, saying that we are disappointed and indeed
frustrated about current lack of progress but reiterating our
determination to work with publishers to identify a model that respects
their commercial interests and helps grow the market responsibly
together
2) Re-convening the e-books sub group to agree some SCL branded
proposals that we can put forward to the PA and to individual publishers
- ie how memberships will operate, how DRM should operate and what
monitoring of potential abuse we expect from aggregators, what a
licensing model might look like (paying for x number of downloads or
access for x years), what e-book sale links/service we want to ask for
from aggregators. We can also get some information on the relative
content merits of different suppliers/aggregators that authorities are
using plus identify how much use is being made of Public Library Online,
a very different
3) Set up a meeting with the PA to go through our subsequent proposals
4) Talk to Overdrive and Askews and any other key players in the e-book
marketplace about our proposals and what joint action we can take to
encourage publishers to make their content available
5) Talk to Bloomsbury about their development plans for Public Library
Online and how we can work with them to get more publishers on board
6) Write to Harper Collins to ask why their US licensing model does not
apply to UK libraries (ie we cant access their material at all now) and
putting forward our proposals for the future
7) Write to other publishers that are identified out of 3) 4) and 5)
about our proposals
8) Work with other bodies and players - Society of Authors, agents etc
9) Tease out the technical and commercial issues that are holding us
back
10) Make the case for library e-books services to be compatible with
Kindle - this is going to be rolled out by Overdrive in the US only
later this year. We need it as well, if our services are going to stand
a chance of competing in a fast developing marketplace.
If anyone wants to join the SCL e-books group, then let me know.
Stephen Edwards
Stock Manager
Hampshire County Council Library HQ, 5/6 Moorside Place, Moorside Road,
Winchester
SO23 7FZ
Phone: 01962 826611 (HPSN (8) 326 6611)
Mobile Tel: 07590 774511
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
VISIT THE HAMPSHIRE E-BOOKS WEBSITE:
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/library/booksandreading/ebooks.htm
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Burton, Luke
Sent: 13 September 2011 15:32
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: ebooks again :RE: RNIB National library service survey of
ebook services in public libraries
At the NAG Conference last week I ran a workshop on E-formats in public
libraries at which several interesting issues were raised. Among these
Ken Chad mentioned that as libraries we need to be clear about what we
expect from eBook services and what we are trying to do when we offer
these services. Once we have a clear idea of what it is we are trying to
do we could then go to publishers and ask them what it would take to get
them fully onboard with eBooks in public libraries.
I would certainly be interested in having this discussion as library and
information professionals and then taking it to some publishers to at
least get their thoughts. As they say in Newcastle "Shy bairns get
nowt!"
I was wondering if anyone would be interested in putting together a
proposal/document that at least spelled out what were trying to do. If
anyone is interested I would happy to be contacted on or off list and we
could put something together via emails or even in person.
Kind Regards
Luke Burton
Library and Information Officer
Information and Digital Team
Adult and Culture Services
City Library
Charles Avison Building
33 New Bridge Street West
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8AX
Tel: 0191 277 4105
email: [log in to unmask]
website: www.newcastle.gov.uk/libraries
-----Original Message-----
From: Dash Graham [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 13 September 2011 15:04
To: Burton, Luke
Subject: RE: ebooks again :RE: RNIB National library service survey of
ebook services in public libraries
I would also expect to see OverDrive migrate downloading titles to
kindles to the UK. However, all this will do, as someone pointed out
this morning, is to extend access OverDrive's ebook catalogue to another
eReader. What it won't do is solve the major problem of availability. It
will not increase the number of ebook titles public libraries may
purchase and any chance there will not happen until the publishers
co-operate and allow access to library lending suppliers to all their
ebook titles.
For the near future, Amazon has the advantage in that if they launch a
"Love Books" ebook subscription lending service they will a) make money
out of it and therefore would presumably keep many publishers happy with
a better return than library suppliers will be able to offer, and b)
already have a much wider selection for users - just compare Amazon's
ebook catalogue with that of OverDrive.
Graham
Graham Dash, MCLIP, Library Services Manager (Systems & Development)
Environment & Leisure Group, Leisure & Libraries London Borough of
Sutton, Central Library, St Nicholas Way, SUTTON, Surrey SM1 1EA .
Tel.: 020 8770 4763, Mobile: 07515137830, Fax: 020 8770 4777
Borough web site: www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=907
Library Catalogue web site: www.sutton-libraries.gov.uk
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Burton, Luke
Sent: 13 September 2011 14:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: ebooks again :RE: RNIB National library service survey of
ebook services in public libraries
And with the Kindle Library Lending taking off in the US we would be
expecting to see something similar in the UK. I would certainly be
looking to put pressure on OverDrive to offer us the same services.
Luke Burton
Library and Information Officer
Information and Digital Team
Adult and Culture Services
City Library
Charles Avison Building
33 New Bridge Street West
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8AX
Tel: 0191 277 4105
email: [log in to unmask]
website: www.newcastle.gov.uk/libraries
Opinions are my own and do not reflect those of my employer
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Andy Brisley
Sent: 13 September 2011 11:27
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: ebooks again :RE: RNIB National library service survey of
ebook services in public libraries
In the US, Amazon are actively pursuing the loan of e books for Kindles
via libraries, in association with Overdrive but do not mention lending
the actual machines on their website.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_200549320_lib
rary?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200527380#library
Andy Brisley,
Library & Information Manager,
North Somerset Council,
Floor 2, West Wing,
Somerset House,
Oxford Street,
Weston super Mare,
Somerset,
BS23 1TG
Tel: 01934 426658
Mobile: 07584 607194
[log in to unmask]
North Somerset Council Website:
http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk
Library Catalogue:
http://www.librarieswest.org.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Vicki Goldie
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 11:23 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: ebooks again :RE: RNIB National library service survey of
ebook services in public libraries
I suspect it will be more of a Kindle based loan system. If you have a
kindle subscribe and we will loan you x number of titles a month.
I do believe there will still be a market for real books but surely
posting them as they do DVDs in Love Film would be very cost adverse?
Vicki
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lynn Osborne
Sent: 13 September 2011 09:34
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: ebooks again :RE: RNIB National library service survey of
ebook services in public libraries
What about Amazon collection boxes in libraries?!!
Lynn Osborne
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Dash Graham
Sent: 12 September 2011 19:48
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: ebooks again :RE: RNIB National library service survey of
ebook services in public libraries
I've regularly stated in various places for some time that all it needs
is for Amazon to lauinch "Love Books" along the same lines as "Love
films".
A rental of a couple of book titles a month for about a fiver will kill
off a large part of public library ebook services.
All it will take is the commercial will and publisher permissions.
Unfortunately I'm not sure there's any real answer either particularly
given the predominance of kindles.
Graham Dash
--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry
----- Original Message -----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Mon Sep 12 17:43:17 2011
Subject: Re: ebooks again :RE: RNIB National library service survey of
ebook services in public libraries
The Guardian reports rumours of Amazon book rental. Will we see the
return of the old commercial circulating library that will compete with
public libraries?
The Guardian says: 'If I were a librarian, I confess, I'd be putting the
career-change plan into action just about now.'
A link to the blog and other resources is on Local Government Library
Technology ebook page http://lglibtech.wikispaces.com/E-Books
Ken
Ken Chad Consulting Ltd
Tel +44 (0)7788 727 845. Email: [log in to unmask]
www.kenchadconsulting.com
Skype: kenchadconsulting Twitter: @KenChad
Open Library Systems Specifications: http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Chad [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 11 September 2011 12:57
To: [log in to unmask]; 'Wendy Taylor'
Subject: ebooks again :RE: RNIB National library service survey of ebook
services in public libraries
Thanks Wendy,
This is a useful report and I think and helpful contribution to the
ebook debate. A link to the report has been added the 'e-book' page
(http://lglibtech.wikispaces.com/E-Books ) of the Local Government
Library Technology wiki (LGLibTech) which also has a range of other
useful links and resources. For example it lists what ebook providers
each UK library authority uses.
http://lglibtech.wikispaces.com/Systems+Review
Usability
On the usability issue the ebook page also includes a link to the
comments in June from Chris Batt (formally MLA) on his experience (as a
sighted and pretty tech savvy person) of trying to use his library
ebooks service.
He is
sympathetic to the issues but says: 'What I do want to suggest is that
those adopting these services should do some proper usability testing
and ensure that the entry route for the new user friendly and clear
about what can or cannot be done and how the system will function in a
wide variety of conditions and configurations.'
Availability of ebook titles
At last week's NAG conference Luke Burton from Newcastle ably lead a
very interesting session on ebooks. One of the key issues that came up
from librarians was the lack of availability to public libraries
(through their ebook providers -e.g. Overdrive) of mainstream titles. It
seems publishers lack motivation to provide ebooks on terms libraries
currently find acceptable. Unlike scholarly publishing (and audio ebooks
I think) which is almost wholly dependent on the institutional (library)
market, trade publishing is end-user driven. John Thompson ('Merchants
of culture') says libraries represent 'a relatively small and
....declining part of the market'.
So with ebook sales booming to consumers one might wonder why trade
publishers would bother much with the library ebook market on anything
other than on their terms. The ebook page of LGLibTech has some links
and resources relevant to this debate including (under the 'business
models
heading) Eric Hellman's 'ungluing ebooks' initiative which is very
interesting...he says "ungluing ebooks" is what I'm calling the process
of raising money to make creative-commons licensed ebook editions of the
books that you love, so that everyone, everywhere can read them'.
What has come of the SCL/MLA/ Publishers association engagement on
ebooks The last I noted (and the link is on the LGLibTech ebook page )
was the bookseller piece in May.'UK publishers are locked in discussions
with librarians over ground rules for e-book lending, '
Ken
Ken Chad Consulting Ltd
Tel +44 (0)7788 727 845. Email: [log in to unmask]
www.kenchadconsulting.com
Skype: kenchadconsulting Twitter: @KenChad
Open Library Systems Specifications: http://libtechrfp.wikispaces.com
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of David Tanner
Sent: 08 September 2011 09:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: RNIB National library service survey of ebook services in
public libraries
Wendy
An interesting report. Some points.
1. eBooks and audiobook downloads seem to be mixed up in the reports.
Its
often not clear what actually is being discussed. Some users are
obviously confusing the two as in "the eBook wouldn't play as it was in
WMA format".
WMA is a audio format.
2. All libraries who have to use Adobe Digital Editions are restricted
to remote access only. You can't use this DRM management software on
multi use public PCs. So interesting that so much of the report was
slanted towards users actually in libraries and not at home. What
service are they accessing?
3. The complicated download procedures are the result of the insistence
by the publishers of the use of DRM ebook files managed via Adobe
Digital Editions. (a terrible bit of software in my opinion).
thanks
--
David Tanner
Manager: Stock and Systems
Adult and Community Services (Information) North Yorkshire County
Council Library HQ
21 Grammar School Lane
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL6 1DF
Tel: 01609 533814
Fax: 01609 780793
email: [log in to unmask]
At the moment I am reading
"Any Human Heart" by William Boyd.
>>> On 08/09/2011 at 8:19 am, in message
<[log in to unmask]>, Wendy
Taylor <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Ebooks offer a new way to access thousands of new books every year at
the
> same time as sighted readers. This summer, RNIB asked members of a
National
> Library Service focus group to help with a survey of ebook services
from
> public libraries. RNIB wanted to get a better idea of how many
libraries
> provide ebooks and how accessible those services are. The survey was
> undertaken during Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight (6-19 June) and
shows
> that many libraries do not offer or plan to offer ebooks because the
cost
is
> too high.
>
> Results
> Where ebook services are available, many testers found it difficult to
log
> on via council websites using screen readers and magnification
software,
and
> navigating online catalogues and selecting titles to download also
proved
> tricky. However, friendly and helpful library staff made a big
difference
> although understanding of accessibility issues and the provision of
> accessible PCs in libraries was patchy.
>
> The full report can be accessed via Reading Sight
>
http://www.readingsight.org.uk/access_to_reading/finding_books/electroni
c_an
> d_digital/ebooks/ebook_services_in_public_libraries/
>
> Wendy Taylor
> Librarian, Bibliographic Services
> RNIB National Library Service
> Far Cromwell Road
> Bredbury
> Stockport
> SK6 2SG
> Tel: 0161 355 2093
> Email: [log in to unmask]
>
> Even though your eyesight might be fine, your eyes aren't necessarily
> healthy. An eye test could save your sight www.rnib.org.uk/happyeyes
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