Some people wonder why libraries - like Kelley - are embracing the ebook since so many pundits are busy predicting the end of the print book - and by extension - threatening the usefulness of libraries. Well, we librarians have long been in the business to bring information to our users in whatever format possible, and have changed with the times. For instance, LPs changed into cassettes that changed into CD to which we have added Playaway, MP3 and downloadables. Ebooks have been embraced by libraries way before Amazon made a splash with the Kindle, kicking off the current fascination with reading books electronically. I remember when I was working at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, our Assistant Director demonstration the new ebook readers that had been purchased for circulation - and that was at least 10 years ago.
So when the opportunity arose to participate in the Ebook program through the State's Downloadable Audiobook plan, we jumped on it. If you have a non-Kindle e-reader (like the Sony ones or the Nook), you can now 'check out' an electronic book here. Try it out - there is a small but interesting choice of titles.
We aren't forgetting the Kindle either. We have a Kindle just about ready to circulate - we are planning a June 1 launch. We are in the process of loading books on it, and have decided to fill it with titles from the NY Times Best Sellers list.
Clearly, ebooks in some format are here to stay (for a while) and we want to ensure our users that are interested in reading electronically can find what they are looking for at the library. After all, that is what a library is all about - making informational, educational, cultural and recreational resources available in a useful format.
Book: The Book is Dead, by Jeff Gomez
Book: Promised land, thirteen books that changed America, by Jay Parini
I can't decide whether e-books are a blessing or a bane.
ReplyDeleteThe plus side is that font size can be increased for those with visual problems and they are easy to transport. The minus side is that I HATE reading from a screen of any sort. It puts a step between me and total immersion in the story, thus reducing enjoyment.
But the younger readers are more accustomed to reading online. They have a very different mind set than those of us who grew up writing things down on paper and holding books. If it keeps the kids reading, if it makes life easier for one elderly person who can't ~see~ a printed book, go for it!