eBooks,
or "electronic books" are, according to Oxford Dictionary: "an electronic version of a printed book
that can be read on a computer or handheld device designed specifically for
this purpose." When eBooks first became popular there was a lot of debate about whether
they would replace traditional or "paper" books, and which was
superior. I think both formats have
their advantages, and personally I read both.
Most adults, at this point in history, grew up without eBooks and
therefore many have emotional connections and special memories around physical
books. It will be interesting to see if
"digital natives", those who were born in the digital age, will have
a different view of physical books.
I met a woman who was going on a sailing
holiday, and as you can imagine was not allowed much luggage. She was thrilled to learn she could bring an
eBook reader loaded with books, rather than sacrifice luggage space for bulky
books. Being able to pack light is one
great advantage of eBooks!
eBooks were introduced at the Thunder Bay Public Library in 2009. That is when we launched OverDrive, a eBook lending platform. You can log in to OverDrive and check out eBooks and also eAudiobooks, music and movies. Go to www.tbpl.ca/eBooks for more information. There is an OverDrive app for use on smart phones, tablets and tablet-like eReaders, and OverDrive may also be used on a personal computer with some free software installed. A personal computer with the free software is also required to transfer an eBook to some eBook readers. Typically about 5,000 items are signed out by Library users from OverDrive each month, and over half are signed out using the app.
OverDrive works on the one -copy one-user model, so, like
physical books, only one person can borrow an OverDrive eBook at a time. We are able to purchase more than one copy of
an eBook, and also you may place holds on eBooks you would like to read but are
currently signed out by someone else.
Most of the eBooks in OverDrive are from a collection we
share with a group of other public libraries in Ontario. Additionally, we are able to purchase eBooks
for use by our patrons only. If you
login to OverDrive before you search, you'll be able to see all items available
to you. We welcome your suggestions for
eBooks -- you can ask staff for a form if you're at the Library , or submit
your suggestion online at www.tbpl.ca/suggestions.
hoopla was introduced at TBPL last fall, and is another
e-lending platform. hoopla includes
music, movies, TV shows and eAudiobooks.
hoopla uses a different model from OverDrive which allows unlimited
simultaneous use, so there is no need for holds, and items are always
available.
One handy feature of eBooks, movies and music is that these
items return themselves electronically.
There is no need to remember due dates, and there are no overdue fines.
The eBook market is still quite young, and the publishing
industry and libraries are working on
evolving standards for formats, access and licensing. Often the reason you may not find your
favourite author in OverDrive is because their publisher has decided not to
allow their books to be licensed by libraries.
The wide variety of eBook readers and other devices on which
folks are reading now has been an interesting challenge for Library staff. We have developed Tip Sheets for popular
devices, and have one staff member trained as our go-to eBook helper. You can contact Margaret at 345-8275 x7251 or
mdemillo@tbpl.ca if you would like to make an appointment for hands-on eBook
help.
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