NetLibrary Summary

[Breeding, Andy]

> Towards the end of May I posted a request for comments on NetLibrary as a
> vendor and a service.  Thanks to everyone who responded.  Here is a
> summary of the replies (my apologies for the delay in posting this).
> These are the opinions of people who responded. 
> 
> Regards,
> Andy Breeding
> 
> 
> NetLibrary as vendor:
> 
> -"I have been quite impressed with their service orientation,their rapid
> delivery, and their solid commitment.  They provide training and materials
> to help you promote the use of e-books in your library and on the campus"
> 
> -"netLibrary is a new company with a new product and sometimes, I feel we
> are both making it up as we go along"
> 
> -"My impression of this company is that they are a bunch of
> library-ignorant 'suits' who think they've got all the answers with this
> product and they really don't want to hear from those of us (customers)
> who are on the front lines with this product."
> 
> They are doing deals with Library automation vendors:  Innovative
> Interfaces and Epixtech were mentioned.
> 
> NetLibrary as a service:  the pros
> 
> -"books are easy to read, contain illustrations...full text indexed"
> 
> -"I was able to load their MARC records into our Dynix (Epixtech) system
> with no problems."  
> 
> -"what they offer is of value to people who might need to look something
> up from a book, but do not want to check out the whole book in
> the library. Or for people who like to stay home and read books instead of
> going to the library."
> 
> -"The company wants to be responsive to user needs and keeps acquiring
> technology to enhance and expand their capabilities. The product is easy
> to use and search. The extranet is an excellent way to track usage."
> 
> -No shipping costs for remote patrons, much faster access to materials
> [corporate library]
> 
> 
> NetLibrary as a service:  the cons
> 
> -"..printing is minimal with netLibrary." 
> 
> -"system is slow...confusing array of search options..must carefully read
> screens to navigate.."
> 
> -"their selection is very limited in some areas"
> 
> -Inclusion of their 'free' collection is of questionable value--it weighs
> against the selectiveness that some libraries are trying to achieve.
> 
> -"full-text search is not as good as a proper book index"
> 
> -When searches retrieve books that a library doesn't own it is perceived
> as an "irritating marketing come-on".
> 
> -"On the negative side, the "traditional book model" (one book one user)
> is frustrating. I know publishers are wary of simultaneous users but why
> limit users to the worst of the old way. I also find the books expensive.
> With traditional library vendors usually some discount is
> provided. Here, we are encouraged (and limited) to look at the e-book as a
> traditional book but without any discounts."
> 
> .__________________________
> 
> Andy Breeding
> Information & Research Services
> Compaq Computer Corporation
> Littleton, MA  01460
> phone: 978-506-6873
> fax: 978-506-6891
>