NYPL Launches SimplyE App

[AnemicOak]

NYPL Launches SimplyE App, Integrating Access to Multiple Ebook Vendors

The New York Public Library (NYPL) on July 12 announced the launch of SimplyE, a new app for tablets and smartphones that employs a single interface for browsing, borrowing, and reading ebooks from multiple different vendors, as well as public domain ebooks. Enabling patrons to discover and start reading library ebooks with as few as three clicks, this initial version of the app is the fulfillment of a goal set two and a half years ago by the NYPL-led Library Simplified project.

SimplyE makes it possible “to download any one of our thousands of titles onto any device with no hassle,” NYPL CEO Tony Marx told LJ. “We just think anything we can do to make it easier for people to read, however they want to read…is a great thing for us to do.”

The app is currently available for Android and iOS devices, and development of Kindle Fire and browser-based versions are already underway. OverDrive and Bibliotheca’s 3M Cloud Library are currently NYPL’s primary vendors of popular ebook content, but the app is designed to work with other vendors as well.

http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2016/07...ebook-vendors/

[AnemicOak]

Here's the site for the Library Simplified project.
http://www.librarysimplified.org/

Is Library Simplified an App?

Yes. Specifically, Library Simplified is a collection of middleware, server software and mobile client applications for iOS and Android that libraries may use to deliver digital content to their patrons for experimentation or daily eBook services. It is designed to provide a unique user experience for the lending of eBooks and other digital content. It is intended to work and integrate with technologies and systems common to libraries such as an Integrated Library System/Library Management Systems (ILS/LMS), Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) or Single Sign On (SSO) credential management system or commercial eBook hosting and distribution service such as Overdrive, Baker & Taylor's Access 360, or 3M Cloud Library.

Is it free?

Yes. The server software is free and made available in source code form. The Android and iOS native client applications require a special non-profit library license or commercial license for the EPUB Rendering Engine and Digital Rights Management technology. Special public library licensing terms have been negotiated with the respective technology rights holders.

[tubemonkey]

Interesting concept; but it's not for me.

[tomsem]

The question, as always, is 'What about reading on my Kindle?'

Overdrive is the only library partner to have worked out a solution for this, and only in the US.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by tomsem

The question, as always, is 'What about reading on my Kindle?'

Overdrive is the only library partner to have worked out a solution for this, and only in the US.

And with the stink some publishers (and some libraries) raised after the fact I wouldn't be surprised if there is no further Kindle/Library integration.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by tomsem

The question, as always, is 'What about reading on my Kindle?'

Overdrive is the only library partner to have worked out a solution for this, and only in the US.

As usual, there isn't much interest in developing new strategies for ereaders. The focus is on Andoid and iOS, which for many, is not the device platform they use to read ebooks on.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

As usual, there isn't much interest in developing new strategies for ereaders. The focus is on Andoid and iOS, which for many, is not the device platform they use to read ebooks on.

Are you sure? I wouldn't surprised at all if Android and iOS reading far surpasses the use of a dedicated reader. Just as a few years ago reading on a computer as opposed to any kind of more mobile device still made up a large part of the market (not sure about now).

For many here on MR I'd assume that's the case (although a lot of folks here also read on phones & tablets), but that's a very small fraction of overall users.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Are you sure? I wouldn't surprised at all if Android and iOS reading far surpasses the use of a dedicated reader. Just as a few years ago reading on a computer as opposed to any kind of more mobile device still made up a large part of the market (not sure about now).

For many here on MR I'd assume that's the case (although a lot of folks here also read on phones & tablets), but that's a very small fraction of overall users.

I'm not saying the majority. I already know that Android and iOS devices are the prefered platform for most readers these days.

The day eink devices bite the dust is the day I stop reading ebooks; which is no big loss for me, since audiobooks are my prefered format for books.

[tomsem]

I am just as likely to read library books on Android or iOS as on a Kindle, but prefer the Kindle app on those platforms to the crappy Overdrive app (or Axis 360 app etc.). And while there are better apps that can open library .acsm files, it is for me too inconvenient.