Fun with Overdrive and BiblioNB App

I installed Overdrive on my iPad and iPhone a few years ago so I could learn myself what it took to get the software working. The numerous steps (including getting the Adobe ID for DRM purposes and finding our library within Overdrive) can be confusing but after going through the process on a few devices, I was much more comfortable and confident with helping patrons get set up with the electronic library. I always assure my patrons that once all the requisite steps are taken, it's not difficult to take out eBooks and digital audio books. The info sheets we have for each device are invaluable tools and I make sure to print one out for patrons as a future guide. I have now checked out and returned many ebooks and audio books on my devices. I especially enjoy getting audio books on my phone as I can listen to them in my car with an auxiliary cable (we are not limited to audio book CDs!).

-----------------

The BiblioNB app is a great tool for quickly browsing and putting holds on items. The layout is fairly clean and straightforward, although you would have to be pretty familiar with the regular website to navigate the app easily. When away from a computer but with my phone on hand, I often add a book to my "For Later" shelves when a title comes to me. With an increasingly mobile and smartphone-clad user population, having an app to always connect our patrons to our collections is crucial.

E-Books and Public libraries - CBC Spark Podcast

On my commute to work this morning (my favourite postcasting time), I  listened to a panel discussion regarding e-book lending and public libraries on CBC's radio show Spark with Nora Young. The panelists included

Jane Pyper, City Librarian for the Toronto Public Library

Carolyn Wood, Executive Director of the Association of Canadian Publishers

David O'Brien, a researcher at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society, and co-author of E-Books in Libraries

While the panelists--all from varying backgrounds-- capably outlined the difficulties of negotiating with publishers regarding e-book lending in libraries, the consensus seemed to be that much of this kerfuffle won't be worked out right away and simple answers will not be had. The e-book is a game changer in the way books are accessed and consumed so it will undoubtably take time before the best model for e-book lending in libraries is developed. For now, libraries have to keep up with changing technologies and do the best they can to provide users with access to these technologies. I think we are doing a pretty darn good job. Here is a link to the discussion:

http://www.cbc.ca/spark/full-interviews/2013/04/03/e-book-lending-in-libraries/