Dec 31, 2009

Electronic Library Books

One of the big draws for purchasing the Sony eReader was it's ability to work with e-books from the library. I love the idea of the library, but I'm terrible at returning things in any semblance of on time. Borrowing a book that automatically expires is a huge boon.
The two questions I had were: what was the selection like? how hard was the process?
I use the Boston Public Library and the answers are positive.
The selection is decent. It is heavily weighted towards romance novels, but the full gamut of genres are represented. Even current best sellers are availible.
Searching the catalog is easy. Using the advanced search feature makes it simple to find books that can be checked out immediately. You can also search for books using all of the normal criteria. If a book is in the catalog but not available for check out, the library tells you how many people are on the waiting list. Adding yourself to the waiting list is a simple click. When your turn for the book comes up, the library e-mails you.
The actual check out process is simple. You add the books to your cart and then click check out. Links to each of the books download to your computer. When you open the links the books download striaght into the Sony software. The book has a annotation that tells you the number of days before the book expires.
Getting the books onto the reader is as simple as drag and drop. On the reader, library books are denoted by a clock symbol.
After the two week lending period is over, the book will no longer open. You can then delete it. If the book is an ePub format book you an also return the book early.

1 comment:

  1. Wow, that's an awesome review of our OverDrive eBooks! Thanks! Let us know more of what you'd like to see: http://bpl.org/compass/.

    Scot Colford
    Web Services Manager
    Boston Public Library

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