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An inside look at the world of electronic content resources acquired and managed by information professionals covering its content, emerging technology such as eBooks and commercial models.
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ContentBloggerTM - eResources Marketplace |
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| Thursday, December 18, 2003 |
PDA eBook Format a Strategic Advantage for OverDrive
OverDrive Inc., a leading ebook distributor, has announced deals with leading public libraries, Denver Public Library (Colorado), Cuyahoga County Library (Ohio), and San Jose Public Library (California). The library world is driven by opinion leaders, and these libraries have already built reputations for innovative leadership. Adding ebooks to their collections is a significant step in validating ebooks for the public library sector. Their experiences will be closely followed, and the subject of many conference presentations, which in turn will drive the adoption by additional libraries.
In comparing OverDrive with their primary competitor, NetLibrary which only has PC versions, the availability of the PDA version from OverDrive is a significant advantage for the public library sector. NetLibrary has been stronger in the academic and corporate library world, where the emphasis is on research using PC resources. Patrons in these environments have their own personal computers, so can just plug into the electronic resources.
However, there is a high demand in the public library sector for pleasure reading, in addition to the personal research. For this type of reading, the PDA is superior to the PC and usable in a wider variety of environments....the doctor's office, the line at the post office, working on the treadmill, as well as the beach, bedroom and bathroom. PDA's are less expensive than PC's and more ubiquitous, plus popular with women. They fit in easily into a purse, and can hold the grocery and "to do" list, as well as the latest best-seller.
Families with young children go to public libraries for picture books -- usually circulation in the children's collection is the highest rate in the library. The children's collections can include CD-ROMs, DVD's, audio CD's, as well as the print formats. So providing ebooks for their parents is a logical step in library collections, as well as the next step for older children and teenagers who have already discovered gaming on PDAs. The universal complaint is lack of available titles, so look for this sector to grow as more publishers provide ebook formats for their new books!
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posted by Jean Bedord at
12:47 PM |
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| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 |
Is a PDA Version the same as an eBook?
At a recent conference, I was taking with the publisher of Pharmacist's Letter, a newsletter for professional pharmacists. They have also developed two databases to complement their newsletters: 1) Ident-A-Drug, which is a hot seller for law enforcement agencies, poison control centers and emergency services, and 2) Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. The two inch thick print books were on prominent display, as well as a demonstration of the web version. But when asked if an ebook version was available, the rep said "No", but when asked if it was available for use on a PDA, the answer was "Yes". Different terminology, different answer, and a clear example of a market with a need for specific content, but the packaging reaches different niches. Libraries and reference centers will buy the print, the dispatcher uses the web version, but the mobile law enforcement officer clearly benefits from the portability of the PDA. Content may be king, but packaging sells!
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posted by Jean Bedord at
7:58 PM |
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| Tuesday, December 09, 2003 |
PDA and eBooks: Hot Gift for Travelers?
The San Francisco Chronicle in an article entitled "Pocket PC's can eliminate a huge amount of travel clutter", is a clear indication that PDA's and eBooks are becoming mainstream. The article is in the travel section, not the technology section of the paper, and the benefit is reducing hassles of carrying paper copies of travel guides, maps, and phrasebooks, as well as being able to journal electronically. The emphasis is the realities of the seasoned mobile vacationer for content and technology, not the coolest techie features. Look for Zagat to be a best seller in this market!
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posted by Jean Bedord at
8:32 PM |
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| Monday, December 08, 2003 |
Welcome to eBook ContentBlogger
Welcome to this new premium feature from Shore Communications, where content, technology and people meet. We'll be providing commentary and analysis on significant developments in the world of eBooks, as this new market for the traditional book publishing industry evolves. Look for our postings as we go on the road to shows and events. Enjoy as we explore this new world of books, readers and gadgets!
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posted by Jean Bedord at
1:45 PM |
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