Choosing an E-Book Platform that Works for Your K12 Library
1. Choosing an eBook
Platform(s) that
Works for Your K12
Library
An ALA TechSource Workshop
Presented by Buffy J. Hamilton
August 2012
Image via Microsoft Clip Gallery
5. Today’s Learning Targets
Examine challenges influencing eBook markets
and decision making
Identify questions to ask when considering an
eBook platform
Explore the key features of major eBook
platforms
Identify accessibility features of major eBook
platforms
Identify resources for free eBooks
6. What
won’t
happen
today
• Recommendations for any one specific eBook
platform
• Give you the illusion that one platform will magically
solve your eBook needs
• Imply that this information is static—the eBook
market and platforms for accessing them are evolving
quickly!
7. eBook as a
fundamentally
access to eContent different
literacy/reading
experience
8. What is most
Group Poll
frustrating for you
when trying to choose
an eBook platform?
17. tension of competing interests/concerns
between librarians and patrons in terms of
eBook content and solutions
6
CC image via
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jphilipson/582274247/sizes/l/in/photostream/
24. “there is no one size fits all model”
CC image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmcordell/6883642181/sizes/l/in/faves-10557450@N04/
25. “eBook models make us
choose. And I don’t mean
choosing which catalog, or
interface, or set of contract
terms we want — though we do
make those choices, and they
matter. I mean that we choose
which values to advance, and
which to sacrifice. We’re making
those values choices every time
we sign a contract, whether we
talk about it or not.”
~Andromeda Yelton~
Source: http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/07/ebooks/ebooks-choices-and-the-soul-of-librarianship/
31. eBook Contract Checklist
What are the details of the
licensing agreement?
Are there administrative or
subscription fees that don't
apply to eBook acquisition?
What happens to
"purchased" eBooks if the
subscription is not renewed?
Source: http://www.k12digitaldecisions.com/purchase-or-lease, Follett Software
32. eBook Contract Checklist
Are there platform
restrictions?
Is the content device-
specific?
Is there an app to
download and read
eBooks offline?
Source: http://www.k12digitaldecisions.com/purchase-or-lease, Follett Software
33. eBook Contract Checklist
Does the program require
individual user information for
access?
How much K-12 content is
available?
Can the content be used on
classroom projection devices
such as interactive whiteboards?
Source: http://www.k12digitaldecisions.com/purchase-or-lease, Follett Software
34. eBook Contract Checklist
What interactive features are
available – dictionary, note
taking, highlighting, keyword
search?
What usage reports are
available?
Can content be used/accessed
on both school-owned and
personal devices?
Source: http://www.k12digitaldecisions.com/purchase-or-lease, Follett Software
35. Buffy’s Addendum: eBook
Can the eBooks be checked out
through the library OPAC?
Contract Checklist
What accessibility features are
available?
Are support materials (tutorial
videos, brochures, written
instructions) available for free?
Are you buying primarily for fiction,
nonfiction, or both? What is your
purpose?
Source: Buffy Hamilton
36. Questions to Ask
Source: http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/2012/how-to-compare-e-book-platforms-ilibrarian-series/
37. Technical Requirements
Plug-ins or
Browser additional
compatibility software
requirements
Device
ePub
compatibility
Ability to track
data
Source: Kroski, Ellyssa. "How To Compare E-Book Platforms – Part I." Web log post. iLibrarian. Online Education Database, 19 June 2012. Web.
9 July 2012. http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/2012/how-to-compare-e-book-platforms-part-i/ .
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.
.
38. Scope of content offered
Content
Number of titles
Menu of publishers
MARC records
Embargo periods
Source: Kroski, Ellyssa. "How To Compare E-Book Platforms – Part I." Web log post. iLibrarian. Online Education Database, 19 June 2012. Web.
9 July 2012. http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/2012/how-to-compare-e-book-platforms-part-i/ .
.
.
.
39. Functionality
Copy/paste features
Printing capabilities
Full text search capabilities
Downloadable for offline reading
Annotation capabilities
Source: Kroski, Ellyssa. "How To Compare E-Book Platforms – Part II." Web log post. iLibrarian. Online Education Database, 26 June 2012.
Web. 9 July 2012. http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/2012/how-to-compare-e-book-platforms-part-ii/ .
.
.
.
40. Sales/Pricing Models
Platform/access fees?
Single/Multiple/Unlimited Use?
Title cost relative to print?
Source: Kroski, Ellyssa. "How To Compare E-Book Platforms – Part II." Web log post. iLibrarian. Online Education Database, 26 June 2012.
Web. 9 July 2012. http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/2012/how-to-compare-e-book-platforms-part-ii/ .
.
.
.
41. Sales/Pricing Models
Individual
Do you own or purchases or
lease the content? package
subscriptions?
Free viewing
Patron driven
period before
acquisitions?
checkout?
Pricing discounts
Source: Kroski, Ellyssa. "How To Compare E-Book Platforms – Part III." Web log post. iLibrarian. Online Education Database, 3 July 2012. Web.
9 July 2012. http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/2012/how-to-compare-e-book-platforms-part-iii/ .
.
.
42. Expand/enhance traditional reading
Evaluating eBooks
experience?
Linear reading experience?
Multiple literacies?
Longevity?
Quality of design?
Source: Parrott, Kiera. "5 Questions to Ask When Evaluating Apps and Ebooks." Web log post. ALSC Blog. Association for Library Service to
Children, 18 July 2011. Web. 9 July 2012. http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2011/07/5-questions-to-ask-when-evaluating-apps-and-ebooks/ .
44. A sampler of eBook
platforms
CC image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/drh/2578799446/sizes/l/in/photostream/
45. eBook Platforms, Aggregators, and
Vendors
• Mackin VIA
• Follett FollettShelf
• Baker and Taylor Axis 360
• Overdrive
• Gale Virtual Reference Library
• Kindle and Nook
• Direct Source
• Players to Watch
Image from Microsoft Clip Gallery
46. Mackin VIA
Mackin
Source: http://www.mackin.com/ESERVICES/MAIN.aspx
48. Web-based eBook portal
Mackin
You own the eBooks/content
No annual access fee
Additional databases can be migrated into VIA
Source: http://www.mackin.com/ESERVICES/MACKIN-VIA.aspx
49. Features
Category Customizable
VIA Groups
Mackin
searching search filters
Free Marc
Some eBooks
records with a 30,000 + titles
are enhanced
link in 856 tag
Can be used
with interactive
boards
Source: http://www.mackin.com/Help/VIA_Help/Index.html?context=110
50. Transparent Licensing and Access
Mackin
Source: http://www.mackin.com/cms/uploads/eServices/E-RESOURCES_LicensingAccessGrid.pdf
51. Publishers K-8
ABC CLIO ABDO Bearport
Mackin
*Capstone
Britannica
Bellweather Interactive
eBooks
Library
Cherry Lake
Chelsea House Crabtree
Publishing
Gareth
Gale Cengage
Stevens
Learning
Publishing
Source: http://www.mackin.com/cms/uploads/eServices/eResources_PK-8_Flyer.pdf
* indicates an annual subscription fee
52. Publishers K-8
Lerner Digital *Norwood
*Orca Digital
Mackin
House Press
Rourke
Reference Rosen
Interactive
Point Press Publishing
eBooks
*Sesame
*Sylvan Dell *Tumblebook
Street
Source: http://www.mackin.com/cms/uploads/eServices/eResources_PK-8_Flyer.pdf
* indicates an annual subscription fee
53. Publishers 9-12
Britannica
ABC CLIO ABDO
eBooks
Mackin
Infobase (Facts
Gale Cengage
on File, Chelsea Lerner Digital
Learning
House, Ferguson)
Reference Point
*Orca Digital Rosen Publishing
Press
SAGE Reference
*Tumblebook
Online
Source: http://www.mackin.com/cms/uploads/eServices/eResources_9-12_Flyer.pdf
* indicates an annual subscription fee
58. Current Drawbacks
Mackin
Mobile apps not yet available
Can’t download or “check out” books yet
Notetaking/annotation features not yet
available
Source: http://www.mackin.com/Help/VIA_Help/Index.html?context=110
59. Coming Soon: Fall 2012
Mackin
Mobile apps
Ability to Ability to
for iPad and
check out download
Android
books books
devices
Source: http://www.mackin.com/Help/VIA_Help/Index.html?context=110
60. Coming Soon: Fall 2012
Notetaking/bookmarking/highlighting/citation features
Mackin
Will be going from 40,000 eBooks and database titles to 100,000
by the end of Fall 2012
Ability to download books
Circulation data reports
Source: http://www.mackin.com/Help/VIA_Help/Index.html?context=110
63. Can be checked out to read “in
the cloud” or downloaded for
reading
Follett
Can be read in a web browser or
on a mobile device
Read aloud options dependent
on publisher—you can see if this
option is available in Titlewave
Source: http://www.aboutfollettebooks.com/
Photo via Microsoft Clip Gallery
64. All books have searchable text
Follett
Every book has a dictionary
Notetaking feature is available for
all books and is private to patrons
in the cloud ; notes are printable
Source: http://www.aboutfollettebooks.com/
65. Bookmarking
can be done
manually by
students
Follett
Books can be
Features returned early
Students can
highlight text
Source: http://www.aboutfollettebooks.com/
Photo via Microsoft Clip Gallery
67. eBooks can be shown
You own the book; no
on SmartBoards for
access fee
instuctional use
Follett
Books are currently
eContent usage stats
ePub format but they
are available for you
are moving to HMTL 5
Some eBooks are single
checkout; others allow
multple checkouts of a
single copy (will be
noted in Titlewave)
Source: http://www.aboutfollettebooks.com
76. Windows, Mac, Linux
iPads with 3.0 Operating
Computer Workstations
Systems or higher
and Laptops/Netbooks
Follett
Compatible
Devices
Kindle Fire and ColorNook
Android Tablets with 3.0 (via device web browser
Operating Systems or however not the best
higher experience for user due to
device limitations)
77. Mac OS®
Safari 3.0 or
higher
Firefox 2.0 or
Follett
Windows® higher
Internet Explorer
Linux Firefox 2.0
6.x or higher
or higher
Firefox 2.0 or
higher
Compatible
Browsers
78. Forthcoming Updates Late September 2012
New support for reading on small
devices (smartphones and smaller
tablet devices)
Follett
Reflowable Text
New support for reading on small
devices (smartphones and smaller tablet
devices)
Patrons will be able to access notes
even after eBooks are returned, take
notes across books, and support project-
based learning
79. Forthcoming Updates Late September 2012
Offline/download improvements that
make it easier for students and staff to
use your content anywhere at any time
Follett
Resource links will be available from
each eBook to allow the student to
easily discover other related digital
content
Since Adobe has discontinued support
for Adobe Flash Player 9 due to high
security risks, we’re upgrading our existing
Follett eBook reader to use Adobe Flash
Player v11.1.
80. Forthcoming Updates Late September 2012
Google
Mozilla
Chrome
Follett
Firefox v5
v14 and
and higher
higher
Microsoft
Apple
Internet
Safari v5
Explorer v9
and higher
and higher
83. Databases
A.D.A.M. Inside
ABC-CLIO ABDO
Out
Follett
A.D.A.M. Rosen’s
Interactive PebbleGo PowerKids Life
Anatomy Science
Rosen’s Rosen’s Teen
PowerKids Earth Health and
and Space Science Wellness
Source: http://www.titlewave.com/intro/digital/index.html
84. Other Follett Tidbits
•Other vendor eBooks cannot be viewed in the
FollettShelf or in Follett format.
Follett
• When purchased, Follett eBooks automatically
populate the FollettShelf; there is no need to load
the eBook into FollettShelf.
• Databases offered and purchased thru Follett are
accessed thru FollettShelf.
• Other vendor eBook MARC records can be loaded
and accessed in Destiny.
Source: http://www.titlewave.com/intro/digital/index.html
85. Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Source: http://www.btol.com/axis360/index.htm
86. Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Subscription based eBook platform
eBooks are leased, not owned
More affordable pricepoint for libraries with
smaller budgets
Some libraries use as sole platform; others use as
a companion to other eBook platforms
Blio app is well liked by users
Source: http://www.btol.com/viewnews.cfm?press_id=320&typ=c
87. Selling Points of Axis 360
Baker and Taylor Axis 360
integration of its collection the ability to build
development services so standalone digital collections
that physical and digital without consortial
formats can be selected in a involvement at an affordable
single workflow; pricepoint
and new communication
the Blio ereader app protocols with integrated
library system (ILS) providers
Source: The Digital Shift, http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/03/ebooks/with-axis-360-baker-taylor-establishes-a-
foothold-in-the-ebook-distribution-market/
88. Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Source: http://www.btol.com/viewnews.cfm?press_id=320&typ=c
89. Baker and Taylor Axis 360 “Magic Wall”
Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Source: http://sdhces.axis360.baker-taylor.com/
90. Baker and Taylor Axis 360 “Magic Wall”
Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Source: http://sdhchs.axis360.baker-taylor.com/
91. Baker and Taylor Axis 360 “Magic Wall”
Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Source: http://sdhchs.axis360.baker-taylor.com/Title?itemId=0009275618
92. Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Source: http://k-5media.mysdhc.org/axis360
93. Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Fast and simple check out and downloading
for reading on multiple devices via cloud-
based delivery.
Blio integration, a FREE ereading app that
provides an engaging, interactive eBook
experience on Windows, iOS and Android
computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.
A dynamic library collection showcase via the
Magic Wall, as well as “browse by subject”
options.
Sourcehttp://www.baker-taylor.com/pdfs/Axis360flier_hr.pdf
94. Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Full-text reviews from Library
Journal and School Library Journal
as well as patron-contributed
reviews and eBook ratings
Source: http://www.baker-taylor.com/pdfs/Axis360flier_hr.pdf
95. Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Related reading recommendations and
wish list storage for future reading.
Option to purchase digital content,
books, movies and music through the
library’s website, supporting local
community.
Purchased, free downloaded and
library-loan digital content all on a
single Blio bookshelf
Sourcehttp://www.baker-taylor.com/pdfs/Axis360flier_hr.pdf
96. Blio App
Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Source: http://www.meetblio.com/download/
97. Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Source: Blio App Screenshot from my iPad
98. Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Source: Blio App Screenshot from my iPad
99. Blio App
Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Full-color, full-layout digital versions of
print books
Multiple page-viewing options, including
ReadLogic for small screen devices
Tools that include highlighters, note taking
and integrated Web search
Source: http://www.baker-taylor.com/pdfs/Axis360flier_hr.pdf
100. Blio App
Baker and Taylor Axis 360
Text-to-speech with voices that sync visually to the text
Enhanced content, including book plus studio
narration — creating an ebook and audiobook in one
A single bookshelf for owned and borrowed digital
material
Source: http://www.baker-taylor.com/pdfs/Axis360flier_hr.pdf
102. 700,000 + eBook, audiobook, music,
Overdrive
and video titles
Single website for browsing,
checking out, and downloading
Supports Windows PC and Mac
Source: http://www.overdrive.com/files/Publications/SDL.pdf /
103. Supports iPod, iPhone, iPad
Overdrive
Supports Kindle, Sony Reader,
NOOK
Supports Android, BlackBerry,
Windows Phone
Source http://www.overdrive.com/files/Publications/SDL.pdf
104. MARC records/ILS integration or
Overdrive
other authentication options
Collection development tools
Librarian establishes lending period
Source: http://www.overdrive.com/files/Publications/SDL.pdf
105. Award
Nonfiction
Winners
Overdrive
Picture Early
Books Readers
Middle Young
Readers Adult
Source: http://www.overdrive.com/files/Publications/SDL.pdf
106. Sampler of Publishers
DK
Overdrive
Marvel Wiley
Disney Digital
Britannica
Books
Scholastic
Source: http://www.overdrive.com/files/Publications/SDL.pdf
107. Overdrive Builds Your Digital Branch
Overdrive
They create Librarian Training for
the custom selects the Staff and
website collection Promotion
Source: http://www.overdrive.com/files/Publications/SDL.pdf
108. How Students Use the Virtual Branch
Overdrive
Browse + Listen/read
Download
Checkout offline
Source: http://www.overdrive.com/files/Publications/SDL.pdf
112. Collection Development via Content Reserve
Overdrive
Source http://www.overdrive.com/Resources/PartnerServices/CollectionDevelopment/ContentReserve.aspx
113. Collection Development via Content Reserve
Overdrive
Source https://secure.contentreserve.com/Login.asp
114. Challenges
Expensive base price
point
Overdrive
Books are leased, not
purchased
Adobe Digital Editions
account required
Difficult/laborious to
download on some
devices
Source https://secure.contentreserve.com/Login.asp
115. Coming Soon: OverDrive’s Next Generation Platform
Overdrive
This platform is on
schedule for rollout
First, a new user It is expected
(feature by feature)
interface for schools OverDrive Read
over the next few
will be available to (browser-based
months. These
new partners later reading) will be
enhancements are at
this month (August) available very soon
no cost to the
school.
121. Gale Virtual Reference Library
Over 9000 full text titles
available; 80+ publishing partners
Nonfiction and reference titles
24/7 unlimited access
Mobile apps available for IOS and
Android
Source https://secure.contentreserve.com/Login.asp
122. Gale Virtual Reference Library
Articles can be downloaded on eReader
ReadSpeaker technology text to speech
in 19 languages
Cross-searchable with other Gale
content using Gale Power Search
Search all eBooks or within a volume/title
Source https://secure.contentreserve.com/Login.asp
123. Gale Virtual Reference Library
Can be viewed as text or PDF
Bibliographic data can be exported to
third party citation tools
Diverse range of offerings for all ages
and subject areas
Dictionary available
Source https://secure.contentreserve.com/Login.asp
124. Gale Virtual Reference Library
Search widgets available; you can
also bookmark titles or articles
MARC records available and can
be integrated into OPAC
Subcollections can be created
Support/tutorial videos available
Source https://secure.contentreserve.com/Login.asp
125. Amazon Kindle
Image used with permission from Diane Cordell http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmcordell/4974868503/sizes/l/
126. Amazon Kindle
“cool factor” Different messages about
Easy to use eBooks for libraries---1:1
or 1:6?
Popular format
eBooks not readable on
Large selection of titles other devices
Now compatible with Cannot be circulated
Overdrive through OPAC
Lack of viable content
management system
Resources: http://theunquietlibrary.libguides.com/kindles/
128. 1:6 if purchased with credit card; 1:1 if purchased
through B&N Digital Managed Locker
B&N Nook
Compatible w/ different eBook platforms
Central content management system not available
Interactive eBooks available
Resource: http://theunquietlibrary.libguides.com/nooks
130. TumbleBook Library
Online library of
talking picture Puzzles and
books; chapter games related to English, French,
books and stories; videos and Spanish
graphic novels also available
also available
Resource: http://bit.ly/MZSQ0 and http://www.tumblebooks.com/LibraryTour.html
131. TumbleBook Library
AR and
Lesson
Lexile Playlists can
plans
information be created
available
available
Resource: http://bit.ly/MZSQ0 and http://www.tumblebooks.com/LibraryTour.html
132. TumbleBook Library
TumbleBook Library collection
is accessed online from every
computer in your school or
Only special software needed is
library with Internet
Flash
connection, or from home
through a direct link on your
school or library website.
Your subscription gives you
unlimited access from as many
Subscription is 12 months
computers as you have
connected to the internet.
Resource http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/faq.asp
136. Interactive browser based
digital books
Independent reading or
Features group activity
Capstone
No hosting fees
450 + titles for purchase at
$24.99 each @ 25
minimum title purchase
No user restrictions
Resource: https://www.mycapstonelibrary.com/about/faq.html
140. Databases include animals, earth and
space, biographies, and social studies
PebbleGo
Targets preK-grade 3 learners
Affordable pricepoints
Resource: http://www.pebblego.com/info/learn-more.php
143. Accessed via
epointbooks.com
platform
Rosen
With “subaccounts”,
Web hosted eBooks patrons can bookmark,
and interactive eBooks take notes, and save
searches
Resource: http://bit.ly/Qz5wFL
145. Players to Watch
CC image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotos_medem/3399096196/sizes/l/
146. eBooks on EBSCOhost
Sources: http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/05/ebooks/moving-beyond-the-netlibrary-legacy-ebsco-reshapes-its-ebook-platform/ and
http://www.ebscohost.com/ebooks/about
147. 3M Cloud Library
Sources: http://ebook.3m.com/library/en/patrons/ and
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MLibrarySystems/Home/Products/Cloud+Library/
148. 3M Cloud Library
Sources: http://ebook.3m.com/library/en/patrons/ and
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MLibrarySystems/Home/Products/Cloud+Library/
155. Project Gutenberg
40,000 FREE eBooks; 100,000 free eBooks
available through their partners, affiliates, and
associates
MARC records available
Devices: 33,000 titles for use with ipad, Kindle,
Sony Reader, iPhone, Nook and others
Resource: http://www.gutenberg.org/
160. Internet Archive
Approaching 3 million titles
eBook and text archive
“…a wide range of fiction,
popular books, children's
books, historical texts and
academic books.”
Resource: http://archive.org/details/texts
161. Internet Archive
Devices: Depends on the
collection it comes from in the
archive, but many of the texts do
have an e-format option
Resource: http://archive.org/details/texts
163. goal is to build a collection of books
International Children’s Digital
that represents outstanding
historical and contemporary books
from throughout the world.
Library
4643 books in 61 languages
Read online in a web browser
Resource: http://en.childrenslibrary.org/
165. Ryan Thomas and Mesa Heise, Mackin
David Starnes, Follett
Sonja Morgan and Lisa Neal Shaw, Maine Library
Association
Carolyn Foote, Eanes ISD, Austin, Texas
Shannon Miller, Van Meter School, Van Meter, Iowa
Kevin A. Santa, Gale Cengage
Russell Palmer, Lyrasis
David Burleigh, Overdrive
Cynthia Orr, Cynthia Orr Consulting
Special
Thanks
CC image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/psd/2086641/sizes/o/
166. Q&A
Q&A
CC image via http://www.flickr.com/photos/oberazzi/318947873/sizes/l/in/photostream/
168. contact information
buffy.hamilton@gmail.com
http://theunquietlibrarian.wordpress.com
http://buffyjhamilton.wordpress.com
Twitter: @buffyjhamilton
eBooks and eReaders on Scoop.it:
http://bit.ly/owbUy0