Libraries Can't Meet eBook Demand

[dkb]

One thing that would improve wait times--make it possible to return an ebook when you've finished so that someone else can check it out.

I also don't mind waiting. It's just that sometimes they all come at the same time.

It does annoy me that publishers refuse to sell ebooks to libraries. Somehow that seems wrong. It also seems kind of silly since libraries are customers. I think ebooks will help keep libraries relevant and people will be more willing to spend tax dollars to keep them running.

[RDaneel54]

Originally Posted by dkb

One thing that would improve wait times--make it possible to return an ebook when you've finished so that someone else can check it out.

I also don't mind waiting. It's just that sometimes they all come at the same time.

It does annoy me that publishers refuse to sell ebooks to libraries. Somehow that seems wrong. It also seems kind of silly since libraries are customers. I think ebooks will help keep libraries relevant and people will be more willing to spend tax dollars to keep them running.

You can return an ebook early that you've checked out on your Kindle. Just go to the title on your "Manage Your Kindle" page on Amazon and select "return this book." I always return my ebooks early if I finish them early. It returns the book to circulation and keeps others from waiting.

[RDaneel54]

Originally Posted by kennyc

I have no issue with waiting. If I'm really desperate for a book, I'll buy it.

Ditto. For me, anticipation for the book makes the eventual reading experience all the sweeter (unless the book stinks).

Dean

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by RDaneel54

You can return an ebook early that you've checked out on your Kindle. Just go to the title on your "Manage Your Kindle" page on Amazon and select "return this book." I always return my ebooks early if I finish them early. It returns the book to circulation and keeps others from waiting.

Not true of epubs though.

[abookreader]

Originally Posted by dkb

One thing that would improve wait times--make it possible to return an ebook when you've finished so that someone else can check it out.

I also don't mind waiting. It's just that sometimes they all come at the same time.

It does annoy me that publishers refuse to sell ebooks to libraries. Somehow that seems wrong. It also seems kind of silly since libraries are customers. I think ebooks will help keep libraries relevant and people will be more willing to spend tax dollars to keep them running.

I'm going to change your suggestion to "Make it more obvious to people HOW to return an eBook when they have finished."

....because I would venture that many, if not most, users are unaware of how to do that. I don't blame you, I think I'd been using Overdrive for about 6 months before I happened to run across that in ADE. It's a little more obvious on the Kindle pages, but still not blatent.

[abookreader]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Not true of epubs though.

See? Yes! You can return an ePub early.

In ADE click on the Library view and find the book you want to return. On the left, click on that little triangle/arrow. Select Return book.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by abookreader

I'm going to change your suggestion to "Make it more obvious to people HOW to return an eBook when they have finished."

....because I would venture that many, if not most, users are unaware of how to do that. I don't blame you, I think I'd been using Overdrive for about 6 months before I happened to run across that in ADE. It's a little more obvious on the Kindle pages, but still not blatent.

Are you saying you CAN RETURN epubs? I've never seen/found it if so....several years now...

OMG, there it is! On the list of books page as an "item option!"

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by abookreader

See? Yes! You can return an ePub early.

In ADE click on the Library view and find the book you want to return. On the left, click on that little triangle/arrow. Select Return book.

All those poor books languishing in my library that could have been returned early.....

Thank you!!!! Karma Koming!

[Apache]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Are you saying you CAN RETURN epubs? I've never seen/found it if so....several years now...

OMG, there it is! On the list of books page as an "item option!"

Apache

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Apache

Apache

I deserved that! Karma for you as well!

[abookreader]

Originally Posted by kennyc

All those poor books languishing in my library that could have been returned early.....

Thank you!!!! Karma Koming!

Well thank you. As I said I just happened to stumble over it myself after months of use. We always include that in our Library Info sessions now. It isn't very obvious and I would bet most people don't realize they can do that.

[Skydog]

Originally Posted by ucfgrad93

My library does the same, but that is it. There is nomention of how many days it will be.

It is impossible to forecast the number of "wait" days for two reasons:

1. Some individuals do not check out the book and it then defaults to next in queue.

2. Books can be returned anytime within the checkout period.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by kennyc

I deserved that! Karma for you as well!

I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Do I have karma coming my way?

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Do I have karma coming my way?

Monkey C
Monkey due
Monkey only get Karma
in zoo.

[Phogg]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Do I have karma coming my way?

You can get a venti Karma Macchiato for about $4.70 at Starbucks.