Delaware libraries now offer wireless, eBooks
Gov. Jack Markell celebrated a technology milestone for Delaware libraries Dec. 19, announcing that all Delaware public libraries now provide wireless access to the internet. This capability is funded in part by a Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program grant from the U.S. National Technology Information Administration.
In addition to wireless access, downloadable eBooks are now available as a beta test through the Delaware Library Catalog portal at www.lib.de.us. Thirteen hundred eBook titles are available, ready for library patrons to download to computers and eBook readers like Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader and Kobo eReader.
“Delaware libraries are successfully supporting the creation of a culture of innovation,” said Markell. “As we explore new ways to read books and gain knowledge, we have the opportunity to provide all Delawareans with the ability to become innovators themselves by giving them access to more information and in many different ways.”
These advances were made possible through the development in the last two years of a statewide library technology infrastructure that has, among other things, resulted in the development of the Delaware Library Catalog which makes it possible for library users to borrow traditional books, books on CDs and DVDs from any library in the state and have an item delivered directly to their local public library.
“Making eBooks available for loan demonstrates our commitment to supporting library collections in all formats as they evolve,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock.
Sales of eBook readers have been tripling each year since the introduction of Amazon’s Kindle in 2006 and could reach 25 million units this year. “As eBook readers grow in popularity, their users will recognize the value of borrowing books online for just the price of a library card - free,” said State Librarian Annie Norman. “When we share our resources through libraries, we all have access to more.”
The eBook download program is now in its beta, or testing, phase, and more titles will be available during 2012. “Library personnel are exploring the use of this new technology just as the users of eBook readers are. We welcome suggestions from library users during this phase-in period,” Norman said.
Library friends groups throughout the state are supporting the initial eBook collection. Library users may also support the purchase of additional eBooks by joining the Friends group and/or by making tax-deductible contributions to the Delaware Libraries eBook account at the Delaware Community Foundation, www.delcf.org.
How to download eBooks
The starting point to create an account and prepare a device for downloading eBooks is the digital collection of the Delaware Library Catalog at http://Delaware.lib.overdrive.com. Most eBook readers require that users first download Adobe Digital Editions software. Kindle users need an Amazon account to complete the download process and there are also apps available for mobile devices. Links to the software and apps may be found on the website.
Users search the catalog to find the book they want and see if it is available in the format they are using (“Kindle” for Kindle users and “EPUB” for others). The title is then placed in a cart, much like an online purchase, and is checked out after the user enters his/her library card number. After checkout, the book is downloaded to a computer for transfer to an eBook reader via a USB connection. Some devices allow for wireless download.
The standard loan period is 14 days, but users can change the loan period to seven or 21 days. A book may be returned early, or it can be checked out again if no other user has requested it. At the end of the loan period, the book’s title will remain on the user’s eBook reader, but access will be denied. Since access is cut off at the end of the loan period, there are no fines to assess for overdue eBooks. Library patrons may check out a maximum of two eBooks at a time.
