Libraries (Overdrive) are slowing down

[JSWolf]

I'm finding some of the libraries I use to borrow eBooks have been slowing down today. I know it's due to all the new readers given as gifts. But it means the lines are going to be even longer.

[DiapDealer]

I know! Isn't it just terrible the way ebook reading and e-lending have been embraced? You think you have something all to yourself and then all the cool kids catch wind of it and ruin it—turn it all common and stuff.

Hell, I remember when I was the only one on my street that even knew what a book was; now everybody I know seems to have jumped on the bandwagon with this whole reading thingamabob.

[RDaneel54]

Time to move on to the next cutting-edge, undiscovered, nerd device.

Of course there is the up side to being in with the cool kids and not being stared at because you have an e-reader.

[Hamlet53]

The Philadelphia Free Library was very slow today. It just happened that two books that I had put a hold on weeks ago became available as well. I am not sure what explains this. A lot of new people received ebook reading devices for Christmas? Given the process for obtaining access to that library it would seem far to soon for that to be the cause.

[FizzyWater]

Originally Posted by Hamlet53

I am not sure what explains this. A lot of new people received ebook reading devices for Christmas? Given the process for obtaining access to that library it would seem far to soon for that to be the cause.

Well, some folk already have their library cards. And I wouldn't be surprised that some got one last week in advance, knowing what Santa was bringing them.

Then there are folks like my co-worker who bought herself a nook tablet a couple of weeks ago, but knew she wouldn't have time to play with it until after Christmas.

[ucfgrad93]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I'm finding some of the libraries I use to borrow eBooks have been slowing down today. I know it's due to all the new readers given as gifts. But it means the lines are going to be even longer.

Yep, seems like all of the books I want from my library have wait lists. While it is slightly annoying, it is worth it.

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

I know! Isn't it just terrible the way ebook reading and e-lending have been embraced? You think you have something all to yourself and then all the cool kids catch wind of it and ruin it—turn it all common and stuff.

Hell, I remember when I was the only one on my street that even knew what a book was; now everybody I know seems to have jumped on the bandwagon with this whole reading thingamabob.

Be sure to yell at the kids to get off your lawn!

[FizzyWater]

Originally Posted by ucfgrad93

Be sure to yell at the kids to get off your lawn!

Hey, watch it, that's my tagline!

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Hamlet53

The Philadelphia Free Library was very slow today. It just happened that two books that I had put a hold on weeks ago became available as well. I am not sure what explains this. A lot of new people received ebook reading devices for Christmas? Given the process for obtaining access to that library it would seem far to soon for that to be the cause.

My guess is that a lot of patrons that didn't use Overdrive now have a reader and have been accessing the library. I don't see this getting any better.

[JSWolf]

I've noticed that when looking at new eBooks and selecting just those that are available, the only ones that usually come up are those that are the WTF? Why did the library spend money on this? eBooks.

[SeaBookGuy]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I've noticed that when looking at new eBooks and selecting just those that are available, the only ones that usually come up are those that are the WTF? Why did the library spend money on this? eBooks.

Pray tell, what are your criteria? My library obtains many ebooks I have no interest whatsoever in reading, but I accept there are others who might appreciate those. If you mean "deadly dull" nonfiction work, I actually request those!

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by SeaBookGuy

Pray tell, what are your criteria? My library obtains many ebooks I have no interest whatsoever in reading, but I accept there are others who might appreciate those. If you mean "deadly dull" nonfiction work, I actually request those!

I mean insipid deadly dull.

[SteveEisenberg]

Originally Posted by Hamlet53

The Philadelphia Free Library was very slow today.

I just put in a reserve there and am now number 12 in line for an American history book published in July 2010. But I'm more than OK with that. It will cause less patient readers to buy the book, and continuing good sales figures are the one thing that will make publishers willing to deal with Overdrive.

My main concern remains the borrowing period. Philadelphia gives 21 days, which makes it fairly likely I will have time to finish the book when I get the email, as compared to the totally inadequate 14 day suburban borrowing period. Waiting, unlike insufficient reading time, is fine.

[Alohamora]

Yes, the website response time is dreadfully slow today. But so far, I have no complaints about ebook availability really. I've seen the total number of ebooks available through the local library consortium jump up by 400 in the last month. I don't know if that's noraml growth for them or some type of end-of-year infusion of funding. While there was a wait list for some of the books I wanted, they became available for checkout pretty quickly after I put them on hold. Sooner than I would have expected based on the wait-list numbers. I also have a pretty long wishlist and there's at least a dozen available for checkout right now if I wanted.

Hopefully, Overdrive will beef up the servers to keep up with the growth. Other than that, I'm a happy camper right now.

[kiwipippa]

Why didn't the great unwashed buy skis or skateboards for Christmas instead of e-readers? (says she who only bought 2 new e-readers for Christmas - but I also bought a skateboard so you can't completely blame me)

I have just been trying to give my daughter an Overdrive lesson on our local library's site - but gave up as it was so slow. We'll try again in a few days when hopefully all the newbies have given up

[kiwipippa]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

I know! Isn't it just terrible the way ebook reading and e-lending have been embraced? You think you have something all to yourself and then all the cool kids catch wind of it and ruin it—turn it all common and stuff.

What can we do to make it uncool again?

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Hell, I remember when I was the only one on my street that even knew what a book was

Ah, shades of Monty Python's 4 Yorkshire men. Did you drink tea out of a rolled up piece of newspaper? (if you're not a Monty Python fan you will have no idea what I'm talking about!)