3M Announces Cloud Library Ebook Lending

[Sil_liS]

This seems like a good thing. I thought that everyone agreed that competition is good. And from what is said here, they seem to imply that they can't get the system on the Kindle, because Amazon signed up with OverDrive:

They would be readable on the iPad, iPhone, Barnes and Noble's Nook, laptop and desktop computers, and Android devices, among other equipment. Notably, the list does not currently include the bestselling ereader, Amazon's Kindle; OverDrive and Amazon recently announced that OverDrive titles will be readable on Kindles later this year.

[Barty]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

That's a non-starter. The day my library adopts any system that requires my physical presence to check out an ebook, is the day I start voting against their funding.

Option <> requirement. Lendable device will be good for people who don't have an ereader.

A library is supposed to serve everyone, not just people who can afford gadgets.

[rogue_librarian]

Originally Posted by Sil_liS

... they seem to imply that they can't get the system on the Kindle, because Amazon signed up with OverDrive:

No such excuse for epub readers, though.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Barty

Option <> requirement. Lendable device will be good for people who don't have an ereader.

A library is supposed to serve everyone, not just people who can afford gadgets.

I don't have a problem with loaning out ereaders. I do have a problem if the downloads must be done at the library. There must always be an online option; if not, I'll start voting their dollars away.

[Sil_liS]

Originally Posted by rogue_librarian

No such excuse for epub readers, though.

Are you sure that we won't be able to?

From the same source as my previous quote:

The ebooks available under the 3M system would follow the one book/one user model, and use the EPUB format as well as Adobe digital rights management (DRM), as OverDrive's ebooks do.

[Sil_liS]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

I don't have a problem with loaning out ereaders. I do have a problem if the downloads must be done at the library. There must always be an online option; if not, I'll start voting their dollars away.

What makes you think that the download must be done at the library?
From the OP:

Yesterday, the company announced a new Cloud Library e-book lending service that will allow users to browse and borrow digital books directly from their iPads, Nooks and Android-based tablets.

They say that they also set up a downloading station at the library.

[Kali Yuga]

From the press release:

"Patrons can read and check-out at home or on the go. eBooks are compatible with PCs, Macs, iPads, Nooks, Androids and 3M eReaders. Patrons can browse the digital bookshelf from anywhere or use Discovery Terminal download stations in the library."

I did misunderstand the role of the Terminal. But they are clearly not forcing anyone to buy a whole new device.

I take it I'm the only one who actually reads linked articles, then?

[rogue_librarian]

Originally Posted by Sil_liS

Are you sure that we won't be able to?

No, how can anybody be at this point?


Earlier in the thread it was claims that books will be "compatible with PCs, Macs, iPads, Nooks, Androids and 3M eReaders". No mention of other, dedicated reading devices, but I'll be pleasantly surprised if that's just an omission in the sales copy.

[Sil_liS]

Originally Posted by rogue_librarian

No, how can anybody be at this point?

Does Overdrive work on Pocketbook? I haven't tried it myself, but by what they are saying, it looks like if Overdrive works, so will 3M.

[rogue_librarian]

Originally Posted by Sil_liS

Does Overdrive work on Pocketbook?

Sure, Overdrive uses mainly just standard (if DRM'ed) epubs these days. Any reader with ADE support can use them.

I haven't tried it myself, but by what they are saying, it looks like if Overdrive works, so will 3M.

Well, let's wait and see.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by J. Strnad

Requiring a new, unique ereader would be a non-starter. Tablet computers only would be sad, too. It really has to work with the single best device for reading...the e-ink, dedicated readers people already own...or I don't think it's worth much.

Single best device for reading...That's not a K3. That's not a Kobo. So what could it be....Sony perhaps?

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Kali Yuga

From the press release:

"Patrons can read and check-out at home or on the go. eBooks are compatible with PCs, Macs, iPads, Nooks, Androids and 3M eReaders. Patrons can browse the digital bookshelf from anywhere or use Discovery Terminal download stations in the library."

I did misunderstand the role of the Terminal. But they are clearly not forcing anyone to buy a whole new device.

I take it I'm the only one who actually reads linked articles, then?

These eBooks are not compatible with ADE on my Sony reader. So that makes these eBooks useless to me.

[Kali Yuga]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

These eBooks are not compatible with ADE on my Sony reader. So that makes these eBooks useless to me.

See, now that is a much more rationally expressed objection.

I might add that the Kindle is my primary device and is excluded. However, in general I view increased competition as positive, despite the fact that it does not benefit me personally any time soon.

At this time, the licensing and DRM are not specified. If it works on the Nook, though, it is entirely plausible that it will work on a Sony device at some point. Depending, of course, on the level of library patron demand.

[Dulin's Books]

Originally Posted by rogue_librarian

Imagine, just like a real book! In case you were unclear about the concept: one, if not the chief advantage of ebooks from a library is that I no longer need to go there in person, driving there, dealing with limited opening hours etc. Take that away and it loses much of its appeal.

Originally Posted by carld

The chance that I'll drive to the library to check out an ebook is exactly zero.

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

That's a non-starter. The day my library adopts any system that requires my physical presence to check out an ebook, is the day I start voting against their funding.

wow. this is not "requiring" anyone to do anything. the announcement already mentions various operating systems it will be available for etc. you don't have to drive to the library , you dont have to be physically in the library to check out an ebook. it says that right in the presser.

BUT it gives those options to the library in the form of a kiosk. The readers will be available to borrow. If someone is already there and they want to have a go at this ebook thing they see options right there to try. how is that bad?

as for why a library would go with this system? it seems many libraries already use 3m systems. having this dropped in and integrated from the get go with their existing systems seems like a good deal. especially if that particular library isnt already lending ebooks. its probably cheaper than Overdrive as well.

[Dulin's Books]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

These eBooks are not compatible with ADE on my Sony reader. So that makes these eBooks useless to me.

Originally Posted by Kali Yuga

See, now that is a much more rationally expressed objection.


At this time, the licensing and DRM are not specified.

link

The ebooks available under the 3M system would follow the one book/one user model, and use the EPUB format as well as Adobe digital rights management (DRM), as OverDrive's ebooks do.