MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - E-book lending changing Twin Cities libraries

Tarana · 01-01-2015, 07:37 PM

The Twin Cities, in this case, does indeed describe the Minneapolis/St Paul, MN area.

I actually borrow pbooks from Ramsey County. I'm not a resident so don't have access to their elibrary (I'm in next county over). One of the reasons why they try library innovations here is because of the high number of readers here. Plus, we have the money because the legislature supports libraries.

Still, they have the same problems my library has for ebooks. Hardly any science fiction. Fantasy is primarily limited to paranormal romance. Overdrive may have 2 million titles, but they are not all available to your library. Fortunately, I love mysteries and crime novels and that is a popular genre.

It's all a good thing really. Our population has increased by over 1 million in the last decade and there have been ZERO new libraries opening in the Mpls/St. Paul area. I suspect that staff are not being replaced as they retire or leave due to budget constraints. Finally, the ecopies don't wear out. More people using ecopies means the library doesn't need to purchase as many hard cover copies for permanent collection, which is always an issue when new books come out.

I haven't really noticed fewer patrons at the library, although I see far fewer elderly now. Not a coincidence though - it's been quite cold.

01-01-2015, 07:37 PM	#7
Tarana Wizard Posts: 4,059 Karma: 38840460 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minneapolis Device: PWSE, Voyage, K3, HDX, KBasic 7 & 8, Nook Glo3, Echos, Nanos	The Twin Cities, in this case, does indeed describe the Minneapolis/St Paul, MN area. I actually borrow pbooks from Ramsey County. I'm not a resident so don't have access to their elibrary (I'm in next county over). One of the reasons why they try library innovations here is because of the high number of readers here. Plus, we have the money because the legislature supports libraries. Still, they have the same problems my library has for ebooks. Hardly any science fiction. Fantasy is primarily limited to paranormal romance. Overdrive may have 2 million titles, but they are not all available to your library. Fortunately, I love mysteries and crime novels and that is a popular genre. It's all a good thing really. Our population has increased by over 1 million in the last decade and there have been ZERO new libraries opening in the Mpls/St. Paul area. I suspect that staff are not being replaced as they retire or leave due to budget constraints. Finally, the ecopies don't wear out. More people using ecopies means the library doesn't need to purchase as many hard cover copies for permanent collection, which is always an issue when new books come out. I haven't really noticed fewer patrons at the library, although I see far fewer elderly now. Not a coincidence though - it's been quite cold. Last edited by Tarana; 01-01-2015 at 07:42 PM.