Library embraces technology with E-Books

  • Kyle Valentini
  • January 5, 2011
  • 274
                        
According to a recent study by Dr.Jakob Nielsen of the Nielsen Norman Group people read faster when reading a real printed paper book. Speed must not be a priority for all readers because the popularity of e-readers continues to rise. E-books raked in $313 million in 2009 growing by 176.6 percent compared to 2008, overtaking audio book sales. In 2010, e-book sales are currently growing at a rate of 217.3 percent versus 2009, according to estimates by the Association of American Publishers. So what is an e-reader? For those of you haven’t heard or have been too busy with your nose in a book, e-readers are electronic devices that allow you to purchase, download, store and read entire books without ever turning a page. Some e-readers are stand alone devices specifically designed for reading electronic books; other e-readers are applications that can be downloaded to today’s plethora of cell phones commonly called smart phones. Michelle Mcmorrow Ramsell of The Tuscarawas County Library at New Philadelphia says the library has a nice selection of e-books available through their Over Drive database. At this time, digital downloads are still a small percentage of their overall circulation, but it is increasing substantially. She anticipates that this format will continue to increase as the price of e-Readers comes down. The library intends to adjust their collection development to continue to provide the formats and titles that their customers want. That doesn't mean they will stop buying books. “The library sees a place for digital formats alongside more traditional formats. Some people love the digital formats, some prefer the traditional, and some like a mixture depending upon the circumstances,” says Ramsell. Ramsell goes on to say, “Our library system is embracing the digital age and working to assist patrons who have made that leap and patrons who are considering making that leap. We really see eBooks as one more format for information--same content, different container. Not a new concept for libraries, really. We have had the same book in hardback, paperback, large print, recorded books, digital audio books, play away, and now eBook. Evolving with the changes in society and changing technologies is not new for libraries. Like any business, libraries change with society and with their users. We have done with various formats of audiovisual materials, and with the book as books-on-tape, books-on-CD, and play away were all format options for our customers. E-Books are nice because of the ease of use, and the ability to have large books in a small format for travel. There is also a convenience and sense of immediate gratification, because you can visit the library's website 24/7, choose an e-Book, download it if it is not checked out, and start reading it right away. There's no worry about over dues fees because when it is due...it will disappear from your device.” The Tuscarawas County Public Library has noticed a substantial increase in customer questions about e-Readers and e-Books in the last six months with significant inquiries in the last quarter of 2010. People turned to them to ask about the different e-Readers and what e-Readers were compatible with downloading from their Over Drive digital database. The library is offering an e-Book and e-Reader class for the public on January 29th. They will offer the class throughout the year, and will likely refine the class to possibly offer specific classes for specific types of e-Readers. More information can be obtained at the libraries web site www.tusclibrary.org or by calling Virginia Wright or Andrea Legg at the library at 330-364-4474.


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