Ever since the holidays several people have come to the Library seeking information about our downloadable eBook service through the Washington Anytime Library powered by OverDrive. It's not just islanders; people all over the state of Washington are asking questions about downloadable eBook service. In fact, libraries all over the country have seen a dramatic increase in eBook use.
With service on the rise, I thought I'd share some background information about the Washington Anytime Library.
Twenty-six libraries in Washington participate in the Washington Digital Library Consortium. We're a group of small- to medium-sized libraries that have joined together to provide downloadable audio book and eBook service to our registered library users. The group shares expenses, resources, and library materials.
By sharing, our libraries are able to provide a larger collection of materials to our patrons for much less than it would cost to subscribe to the service independently.
The collection development and circulation processes function much like a traditional library, only in this case we're working as a team for the Washington Digital Library Consortium.
Titles in the OverDrive collection are selected by librarians from the participating libraries. Titles in the collection are available to patrons from all of the libraries in the Consortium.
If a particular title is currently checked out, then the patron can place a hold on the title. When it is returned, the patron will receive notice that the book is available. The consortium has established a duplicate fund to purchase duplicate copies of titles that are popular and with holds.
Just as the San Juan Island Library accepts requests to purchase print, DVD, and other materials shelved in the building, we also invite patrons to submit a "Suggest a Purchase" form for materials in the OverDrive collection.
The link to the "Suggest a Purchase" form is available from our website, or stop by the Library to tell us in person. Please indicate on the form that you are suggesting a purchase for the OverDrive collection, and also specify the format - audio book or eBook.
Please keep in mind, selecting eBook titles for the digital collection is not as simple as adding a print copy to the regular collection. First of all, not all publishers provide borrowing licenses to libraries for eBook titles, and some impose restrictions on use. Some eBook titles in the collection are only compatible with certain devices.
These are just some reasons why it's not always easy filling eBook requests.
Registered Library users may access the Washington Anytime Library from our website. Click on the big, blue icon on the homepage to enter the digital library. Go to “My Help" to get started. This will walk you through the process right from the beginning.
Marjorie Harrison
Library Director
San Juan Island Library www.sjlib.org
360.378.2798
About San Juan Island Library
San Juan Island Library is located at 1010 Guard Street in Friday Harbor. In addition to its collections of materials to loan, the library also provides computers for the public to use. The library website provides consumer, financial and academic information, language learning, and test preparation. Library cards are free to island residents with proof of residency.
Library hours are:
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Google Search
