[WEB4LIB] netLibrary vs OverDrive - pros and cons for a public library

[Geer, Caroline]

Peter,

We have been very pleased with netLibrary--variety of publishers/titles,
format, ease of use, ability to make notes and bookmarks on pages,
dictionary support in print and audio, and so on.  The pricing model has
been affordable because most of our 40,000 ebooks have been acquired in
a shared resource collection with other institutions of higher education
in Texas through both Amigos [OCLC] and TexShare [Texas only through the
State Library].  We have also purchased 500+ ebooks in our own, unique
collection.  netLibrary offers the option of purchasing perpetual access
or to pay annual access fees [very nice for books that have limited use
over time like computer books].  netLibrary also includes a good number
of public domain books.  The technical support is friendly and
available, but it is rarely needed.

eBooks are also available to our users through both Electric Library and
Original Sources, but these are public domain books no longer under
copyright.

We have just finished a trial of Safari Books, but we have not yet made
a decision about purchasing.  There are also books available through
Knovel which we are seriously considering because of our need for online
science, engineering, and technology resources.

Hope this information is helpful.

Caroline Geer
Coordinator of Information Resources
Margaret Estes Library
LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas 75607-7001
     Phone:  903.233.3271     Fax:  903.233.3263
     Web:  www.letu.edu/library 
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"But the wisdom that comes from heaven 
is first of all pure; then peace-loving, 
considerate, submissive, full of mercy and 
good fruit, impartial and sincere."  
James 3:13-17
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-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Peter Schoenberg
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2004 12:43 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] netLibrary vs OverDrive - pros and cons for a public
library


We are looking to begin offering eBooks late this year or early next
year.

I am asking for any information you could provide that would help decide
which vendor is the preferred vendor.

There are many factors we expect to consider, interested in hearing what
your criteria have been, any surprises and regrets etc.

Obvious factors include:
Titles, formats, price, pricing models, usability for customers, ease of
orders, ease of maintenance

If I receive direct replies, I will summarize them for the list (unless
your comments are noted as being stricly off-list).

Peter
__________________________________________________ 
Peter Schoenberg                  (780) 496 1855 
Manager - Virtual Services - Edmonton Public Library 
                           www.epl.ca