Amazon to launch Library Lending

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by elemenoP

Right now, does Adobe get paid for every epub/ADE license that is sold to a library?

eP

In '09 the fee for an expiring license was $.08 per ($.22 for a regular non-expiring license), I don't know if that's changed or not (plus the $1,500 per server annual fee and $6,500 to buy Content Server in the first place places like OD pay).

[Loosheesh]

Originally Posted by graycyn

How many ebooks you can put on hold at the same time is different for different libraries. My library allows 6 holds. It's none too many when practically EVERY popular fiction author's books are on hold, including those that are decades old, like old Dick Francis and Agatha Christie titles and such like.

I recently came across a county library that allowed 999 holds ... I was like (I'm half convinced it's some sort of error)

[graycyn]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I agree. Some libraries only lend for 14 days and I think that's appropriate. But one thing that needs to be done is to have directions clearly shown how to return an ePub early when its done with early.

YES to return directions! Unfortunately, this information is not really given on most library Overdrive sites.

My library offers a choice between 7, 14, and 21 day lend periods. I read fast, so my default is set at 7. But if I have several books out, I may opt to set some at the longer options and return early if I'm done in time to do that.

I don't question that Kindle owners deserve access to library books, they are taxpayers too, but it is going to badly affect wait times at my library! And as far as I can tell, my library just won't buy more than about 5 copies of a popular book regardless of how horrendous the wait times get.

[graycyn]

Originally Posted by Loosheesh

I recently came across a county library that allowed 999 holds ... I was like (I'm half convinced it's some sort of error)

All I can say is "That's *my* kind of library!"

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by beespeckled

I haven't read all the responses yet but here is a link to the news from Library Journal

http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/hom...nding.html.csp

Thanks for the link to the updated article.

[SensualPoet]

Originally Posted by graycyn

For example: The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest.

My library has 5 copies. The wait list, as of this AM, was at 232. That's roughly 46 holds per copy. If everyone keeps it for the maximum of three weeks, then you are talking a wait of 139 days. Fortunately, some folks do return early and some use shorter checkout options. But that wait list number still keeps climbing! It's higher now than when I finally got the book earlier this spring.

Toronto Public Library current has 474 copies of this in paper with 322 holds. The e-book edition has 40 copies (!) with 83 holds at the moment.

I'm thinking the wait for the ebook is actually less since, while the paper might get returned sooner, it likely would have to go through the inter-library loan system to get near me and then I'd stil have to schlep over to get it (and later return it).

I wonder if the library can "retire" some of these 40 ebooks licenses at some point and "trade" them for something else from Overdrive when the depend drops?

[ApK]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

But an extremely painful process. I hate the experience. Given a choice between accessing the web on my Kindle or my iPod, I'll take the iPod any day.

Depends on the library's site. I just tried the Free Library of Philadelphia's mobile ebook site (just to browse the collection) from my 3g Kindle and was actually rather amazed at how well it worked. If more libraries get mobile-optimized sites like that when Kindle books are offered, library lending on a Kindle will be best-in-show.

[Fbone]

Originally Posted by SensualPoet

I wonder if the library can "retire" some of these 40 ebooks licenses at some point and "trade" them for something else from Overdrive when the depend drops?

Most likely. My local library can. Every book is obtained on a subscription/lease basis.

[boxcorner]

Kindle gets library book lending
bbc.co.uk/news/technology
21 April 2011

[Donnageddon]

Ah, the nostalgia I feel from when Sony had this ability years ago.

Have fun, my Kindle friends.

Write me when you finally get rid of the annoying keyboard.

Donnageddon

* written in jest, the kindle is a fine bit of kit. My great-grandma loves hers, almost as much as her bloomers.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by Donnageddon

Write me when you finally get rid of the annoying keyboard.

Donnageddon

* written in jest, the kindle is a fine bit of kit. My great-grandma loves hers, almost as much as her bloomers.

My kindle doesn't have an annoying keyboard on it.

BOb

[Jim Lester]

BTW, I would be extremely surprised if the Kindle had early return (since the technology behind that is patented by Adobe).

[Ron.]

I don't see why the lending times need to be 14 or 21 days, 3 to 4 days seems more reasonable a week tops. How long does it take to read a book?

[Nyssa]

Every library I've ever frequented has had a 2 week (14 day) lending time, regardless of the age/release date of the books. I don't see why e-books need to be any different.

Edit: My husband, however, says he's known of libraries shortening lending times for new release to a week (7 days).

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by Ron.

I don't see why the lending times need to be 14 or 21 days, 3 to 4 days seems more reasonable a week tops. How long does it take to read a book?

I seldom read books this quickly. Not because I am a slow reader, I think I'm average there, but because I don't spend that much time per day reading. I probably read 1-2 books per month. So, I think 14 days is a reasonable checkout time.

BOb