Improving the Reader's Experience with e-books
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Issue 31 | SPRING 2014
Improving the Reader’s
Experience with e-books
Giving readers what they want
Create a streamlined, comprehensive, integrated eBook
library system to meet reader needs and expectations.
PATRON-DRIVEN ACQUISITION
How Bournemouth University reaps the benefits.
Customer-inspired innovation:
The genesis of the 3MTM Cloud Library.
WELCOME TO PANLIBUS
The
14-15 Giving readers
what they want spring issue 2014
Welcome to the spring issue of Panlibus Magazine.
E-resources and e-books bring about much discussion and debate.
In this edition, with articles from public and academic libraries, key
12-13
suppliers providing valuable solutions into the sector, and organisations
that support, influence and promote the work of libraries to the wider
community, we examine the latest e-book and e-resource developments.
“Discover the Magic” – SOLUS and
The Reading Agency, Summer 2014 Back in the summer of 2012, New York Public Library wrote a feature
for Panlibus, titled “The value of public libraries into the e-reading
4-5 Improving the reader’s the “Mythical Maze” will come alive ecosystem”. Since then the ecosystem has evolved and within NYPL,
experience with e-books in public through a free downloadable mobile the e-reading service offered to their patrons today has greatly improved
libraries application. and continues to develop as a core feature of their collection strategy
NYPL provide us with an update and the digital user experience.
nearly two years on from an original 14-15 Giving readers what they
feature in 2012, looking at how want This January saw the relaunch of Edinburgh’s My Library, which
they have improved and delivered OverDrive relate some of the features links to more than 50 sites and apps and offers a single access
e-books provision in the library, research and evidence in support point for all online resources and services. Edinburgh were shortlisted
thereby improving the reader’s of e-books and talk about creating for the ‘Smart Governance’ Eurocities award for their outstanding
experience. digitally empowered library transformation, offering a digital one-stop-shop that brings together the
communities through the creation city’s library facilities with local information, services and activities and
6 Customer inspired innovation of a streamlined, comprehensive, utilises seamless 24/7 mobile and online access.
– the genesis of the 3M Cloud integrated e-book library system.
Library We also feature some key initiatives taking place over the coming
Following their launch in the USA 16-17 Public libraries and e-books: months. The Reading Agency in collaboration with SOLUS will bring
over two years ago, 3M explain their cause for optimism or concern? augmented reality to life through the “Mythical Maze” and Cityread
journey to deliver digital content to Stephen Edwards, Co-Chair at London returns in April with lots of new partners including OverDrive
the library market as they embark on Shelf Free, reviews the position who will be strengthening their e-book offer for library users.
international expansion. around e-lending in the public library
sector, explores the challenges and Finally, a look at e-books wouldn’t be complete without contribution
8-9 Patron-driven acquisition: opportunities and encourages more from content providers and so naturally we have included articles from
strategies for supporting collection contributors to get their voice heard. OverDrive, and also 3M in relation to their digital e-book platform, 3M
development and service excellence Cloud Library, offered today in the USA.
Chris Spencer at The Sir Michael 18 Cityread London 2014
Cobham Library, Bournemouth Two years after the launch of the first As always, we encourage you to get in touch with your thoughts on any
University, provides us with an insight reading festival, Stellar Libraries talk of the articles. If you have any topics you would like to share with the
into their patron-driven acquisition about their work and experience to library world in future issues then I encourage you to drop me a line.
(PDA) strategy, and explains why put libraries on the centre stage and
and how this is a valuable tool for provide further information relating to
developing the library’s collections Cityread 2014. Wendy Pugh
in partnership with the University Editor, Panlibus Magazine
community. 20 Reference Online enters a new libraries-panlibus@capita.co.uk
era with SCL and Jisc Collections
10 Edinburgh Libraries - Ben Taplin, Project Manager at Jisc
Your Library Collections, outlines their objectives
Graham Mainds, Service working with Reference Online to
Development Leader at Edinburgh, offer public libraries online resources
Panlibus Magazine is a Capita production
gives us more insight following the that libraries and their users want
relaunch of My Library this January from trustworthy sources. The views expressed in this magazine are
those of the contributors for which Capita
to bring on-line services and accepts no responsibility. Readers should take
resources to a much wider audience. 26 Spotlight on Nielsen LibScan ISSN 1749-1002 appropriate advice before acting on any issue
raised. Reproduction in whole or part without
library borrowings for 2013 Knights Court written permission is strictly prohibited.
Solihull Parkway
12-13 “Discover the Magic” – If you have followed the Nielsen Birmingham Business Park ©Capita. All rights reserved. Capita and the
SOLUS and The Reading Agency LibScan data in previous issues, it B37 7YB Capita logo are trademarks of Capita or its
United Kingdom licensors in the United Kingdom and/or other
2014’s “Summer Reading Challenge” will come as no surprise that during countries. Other companies and products
from the Reading Agency brings 2013, Crime, Thriller & Adventure Telephone: +44 (0)121 717 3500 mentioned may be the trademarks of their
Web site: www.capita.co.uk/libraries respective owners.
augmented reality to life. Working in dominated the Nielsen LibScan
collaboration, SOLUS will add some Top 10 chart with six out of ten titles
digital magic to the challenge and appearing in that category.
www.capita.co.uk/libraries | Spring 2014 | Panlibus Magazine 3
E-books in public libraries
Improving the reader’s experience
with e-books in public libraries
In 2012, we invested significant effort delaying new release DVDs to libraries. As we
Christopher Platt, reaching out to the four major US trade anticipated, the data Penguin received and the
Director, BookOps – the shared technical publishers who were not releasing current feedback from other libraries closely watching
services collaboration between NYPL e-book content into the library lending market. this pilot allowed the publisher a comfort level
and Brooklyn Public Library Our position was clear: we were willing to to remove the six month release delay a few
negotiate with each of them to offer the New months into the one year pilot. The pilot ended
York Public Library as a pilot case for them in September of 2013, and Penguin has indeed
In the summer of 2012, I was invited to to step responsibly into library lending, with expanded fully into the US library lending
contribute to Panlibus the New York Public the ultimate intent that they would use the market.
Library’s position on the value of public information to expand to libraries nationally.
libraries in the e-reading ecosystem in The discussions were fruitful and led to The Penguin pilot also allowed the New
the United States. While facing publisher partnerships with two publishers. York Public Library an opportunity to test
uncertainty over libraries’ impact on their a newer entrant into the e-book platform
sales, our patrons were using our service in The first pilot was with Penguin Books USA, market, 3M’s Cloud Library. We had been
record numbers and we were actively moving which began in September of 2012. They had exploring a reasonable way to test alternatives
towards a more integrated, participatory user previously sold their e-books to libraries but to Overdrive, our main e-book provider. We
experience with the implementation of our had backed out over concerns of how their launched the pilot with 3M as a partner and
nypl.bibliocommons.com discovery layer. titles were being managed and the business focused all new Penguin content to that
That ecosystem has evolved since then, partly model under which they had been sold. They platform to keep the collections clean. 3M
because of strategic partnerships we put in were eager to return to libraries and welcomed proved robust and gained a solid user base
place to test models for offering content from the opportunity to discuss a different business among our patrons, which gave us the comfort
hesitant publishers, partnerships among model that would allow them to re-enter in level to use them for the second publisher
the existing and new service providers who a careful way that could evolve and expand. pilot: Simon & Schuster.
must knit their technology together in new Specifically, our negotiations led to copy-level
ways to offer a superior patron service, and licenses that would need renewing after a set Launched in May of 2013, the Simon &
partnerships with our peer libraries to help period, and a six month delay in releasing new Schuster negotiations arrived at a pilot model
inform and influence e-content platform titles to libraries. The former was contingent that was not altogether different from the
development. The e-reading service we offer upon fair pricing, and the latter we agreed Penguin renewable licenses at a fair price. The
our patrons today has improved and continues to for the purposes of the pilot with the differences were that the Library was interested
to develop as a core feature of our collection understanding that in practice, a six month in a more integrated patron experience and
strategy and our digital user experience delay would affect a small percentage of launching in-catalog sales, which is why we
strategy. overall users of any title, and that a precedent brought Bibliocommons into the discussions.
had been set with major movie studios
4 Panlibus Magazine | Spring 2014 | www.capita.co.uk/libraries
E-books in Public Libraries
With 3M’s platform as the source content and platform applications that preclude the ability will serve them best, without having to
Simon & Schuster’s approval, Bibliocommons for the patron to be connected with or at visit separate websites (libraries, not
developed an in-catalog e-book reader that very least discover materials and services distributors, should be enabled to manage
allows the patron to download the e-book to from across our range of collections? Our all interactions with users).
their device, or choose to open it directly in experience to date had been that platform
the Bibliocommons web interface and read vendors had created all-or-nothing turnkey • S
eamlessly enjoy a variety of e-content.
it there. Bibliocommons also developed in- platform solutions designed to fully exclude To do this, libraries must be able to choose
catalog sales, initially with Simon & Schuster competitors from a customer’s space, rather content, devices and apps from any
e-books but since expanded to physical items than allow multiple competing vendors to provider or from multiple providers, without
as well. A patron can choose to check out participate in that same space in an effective, bundling that limits a library’s ability to serve
the Simon & Schuster e-book, or purchase it. integrated manner. content they purchase on platforms of their
Either way they can manage it in their library choice.
account and see it alongside other titles they The New York Public Library knew it was
have checked out or purchased. This allows not alone in facing this challenge. In Spring of • D
ownload e-books that are compatible with
the library to provide a more integrated user 2012 we reached out to a number of peers to all readers, from the Kindle to the Nook to
experience and offer an additional option to start a conversation about what public libraries the iPad and so on.
patrons who may elect to purchase the book envisioned an excellent patron experience
outright. The library gets a small royalty for around e-materials to be in an increasingly The Readers First Initiative launched at
every purchase. We knew going in that patrons competitive market. For the initial conference BookExpo America and the ALA Annual
are not accustomed to purchasing via the call we expected approximately twenty libraries Conference in June of 2012, garnering further
library, and in fact, seven months after this in- to participate, instead, the call included support, with 292 library systems representing
catalog purchase option was developed, only sixty-seven library leaders from across the US 199 million readers from around the world
$450 in books have been purchased through and Canada, eager to take the conversation signed on as of February, 2014. To facilitate
Bibliocommons. forward, soon called the Readers First understanding of these principles, and to
Initiative. Within a few short weeks in May of add weight to the signatories’ commitment,
We continue to monitor all aspects of the that year, Readers First published a set of four the Initiative recently worked with platform
Simon & Schuster pilot until May, and the principles around library e-materials use that vendors to publish the ReadersFirst Guide to
publisher has already expanded it beyond New libraries could sign on to and use to educate Library E-book Vendors, also found at www.
York City to other libraries and other platforms, technology vendors who wish to serve in the readersfirst.org.
which indicates they are serious about library e-lending space, found at
remaining in the library lending market. www.readersfirst.org: These have been a busy two years for
the New York Public Library, but we are not
As a public library we are mindful of the • S
earch and browse a single comprehensive pausing for breath. We understand that much
responsibility to expend our materials funds catalog with all of a library’s offerings of this effort is focused on improving access to
carefully, requiring the choice to acquire the at once, including all e-books, physical content. To continue to provide an excellent,
content our patrons want and need, and collections, programs, blogs, and donor life-enriching experience for our patrons, we
the choice to choose that content from as opportunities. Currently, content providers must shift more of our focus to what comes of
competitive and innovative a marketplace as often only allow searches within the access—the experience of reading, of learning,
possible, so that our communities benefit from products they sell, depriving users of the and of creating. That strategic process is just
an excellent and integrated user experience. comprehensive library experience. beginning, stay tuned.
This issue came to the forefront as we
worked through bringing our pilots forward. • P
lace holds, check-out items, view
FIND OUT MORE
How could we offer content from competing availability, manage fines and receive
platforms without creating a cumbersome communications within individual library Email: christopherplatt@bookops.org
user experience that would silo patrons into catalogs or in the venue the library believes
Web: www.nypl.com
www.capita.co.uk/libraries | Spring 2014 | Panlibus Magazine 5
Customer-inspired innovation
Customer-inspired innovation:
The genesis of the 3MTM Cloud Library
that derived from our research: The 3M Cloud
Matt Tempelis, Library should be easy to use, it should
3M Library Systems Business Manager connect to the community, and it should build
on the Library’s LMS investment.
All a patron needs to use 3M Cloud Library
When 3M first approached publishers about is their library card. Sign in one time, and you
selling their digital content into the library never need to do so again. We brought both
market, the unanimous reaction was, “What is cloud and native application technology to the
the Post-it™ Note company doing in e-books?” market to enable automatic synching across
Perhaps a few librarians thought the same the devices. We introduced in-library Discovery
thing. But for 3M, it was a natural extension Terminals to highlight digital service at the
upon the innovations we’ve been bringing library and allow discovery and check-out of
to the global library market for more than 40 digital content on the spot. Librarians told us
years. spending more and more time troubleshooting they want their OPAC to remain a key part of
As most people know, the 3M Company technical issues, answering how-to questions, the user work flow, so we created a full suite
is a diverse, multi-national company best and explaining why certain publisher’s books of APIs to enable that. Moreover, since we’ve
known for Post-it notes and ScotchTM Tape. were not available in the digital library. We entered the market all of the Big 5 publishers
At our core, we are focused on 3M’s vision of knew there had to be a better way. From those are selling digital books into libraries in the US,
advancing every company, enhancing every early conversations, the 3M Cloud Library was with other countries warming up to the idea
home, and improving every life through 3M born. as well.
technology and products. Through our primary research, we found More than two years after launch of the
Like many serendipitous stories from our that libraries looking to improve their digital 3M Cloud library, we’ve made great progress
proud history, 3M first entered the library lending solutions saw 3M as a trusted partner thanks to a great team and wonderful
market with exciting technology looking in delivering quality, innovative solutions. customers. We’ve spent considerable
for a home. Scientists found that the same Though we weren’t in content or cloud-hosted resources developing tools and work flows
technology we used to invent audio tape was technology at the time, the marketplace trusted that delight content acquisition librarians.
a perfect fit for helping secure the circulating that we would listen to their needs and rise to We’ve developed unique content sharing and
collections in libraries. the occasion. consortium capabilities. We’ve begun our
As we entered the market, we began to Publishers provided quite a different international expansion with our launch into
learn more about the needs of our library challenge. At the time we began speaking with Canada. Most importantly, our consistently
customers. They wanted help with some of them, only two of the big six US publishers growing customer base has seen that adding
the menial tasks at the circulation desk, so were selling to the library market. But we the 3M Cloud Library dramatically grows their
we developed the first self-service kiosks helped them see the benefit of our market digital circulation, expands their user base,
for libraries. Customers asked us to help entry and gain trust in 3M as a business and helps them focus on what they do best -
them ease workflows, simplify collection partner. helping customers connect with great content
management, and reduce back-office New technology investment and and services.
complexity, so we developed a suite of RFID management support are tightly linked.
technologies specifically tailored for the Certainly, gaining that support during a global
needs of the library market. Our libraries downturn wasn’t easy! Fortunately, the story
asked for help encouraging visits and of our customer need was compelling and the
circulation, so we introduced self-service pace of growth in digital lending was attractive.
software that incorporates library promotions By linking this key initiative to our strategic
and recommended reads into the check-out vision to connect libraries to their community,
experience, ensuring that the last impression a we were able to accelerate our technology
patron has at the library will keep them coming investment and quickly deliver a solution that
back. changed the digital lending landscape.
We also began to hear growing frustration Within 18 months, our team went from
with the digital lending solutions. Our dream to a commercialised product. In so FIND OUT MORE
customers told us that digital content usage doing, we think we’ve helped change the
was growing, but the solutions on the market digital lending landscape for the better. We Email: librarysystems1@mmm.com
caused a lot of user confusion. Librarians were began with three simple design principles Web: www.3M.com/cloud
6 Panlibus Magazine | Spring 2014 | www.capita.co.uk/libraries
Patron-driven acquisition
Patron-driven acquisition: strategies
for supporting collection development
and service excellence
books’ and to obtain an understanding of 1700 records were added to the catalogue
By Chris Spencer the likely costs and administrative workflows at the start of the pilot which ran between
LLS Procurement & Systems Development Manager, involved. Cost was an important factor. The December 2010 and February 2012. A further
The Sir Michael Cobham Library Bournemouth University budget was limited and it was important that 1100 records were added during that period.
the pilot had longevity and that funds were not A total of 1094 e-books were ‘purchased’ from
Bournemouth University Library view exhausted within the first few weeks. the plan at an average cost of £66.50.This
patron-driven acquisition (PDA), also known With all this in mind, we considered that compared favourably with the average price
as demand-driven acquisition, as a valuable thorough planning was important. This of books purchased over the same period by
way of developing the library’s collections in included time spent with the e-book supplier staff selection. This was £81.97 for e-books
partnership with the University community. fine tuning the profile. The plan covered the and £30.56 for print books. Usage during the
The PDA supply models enable a library core subject areas taught at the University first 9 months was also favourable, with over
to ‘seed’ the library catalogue with records and the list generated by the profile was de- 68% of items purchased having three or more
of e-books or print books prior to purchase, duped by the supplier against existing library accesses and over 25% having nine or more
the purchase triggered when an item is used holdings. The list was then reviewed by library accesses.
or requested. The trigger mechanism varies staff, filtering out unwanted items until all were The success of the pilot encouraged us to
depending on the PDA model chosen and can satisfied it represented e-books that would explore the use of PDA models further. Up until
be automated or mediated and in the case of have been purchased in the traditional way if this point we had not actively promoted the
e-books may involve rental prior to outright budget had been available. To optimise the service as we wanted to prove that PDA added
purchase. user experience and minimise workflows the value to collection development. The early
Bournemouth University Library introduced PDA model chosen was automatic purchase results convinced us that PDA had a part to
an e-book PDA pilot in December 2010 to after two separate accesses with the purchase play and so we began promoting PDA and the
evaluate what impact it might have on the costs charged to a deposit account set up in benefits it brings to resource provision.
perennial student feedback of ‘not enough advance.
8 Panlibus Magazine | Spring 2014 | www.capita.co.uk/libraries
Patron-driven acquisition
The success of the pilot encouraged us to explore the use of PDA models
We also piloted PDA plans with a second further. Up until this point we had not actively promoted the service as we
supplier operating a different access model, wanted to prove that PDA added value to collection development.
and targeted specific student groups where
National Student Survey (NSS) feedback had Whilst return activity for some titles can Areas where development from Library
been poor. Whilst these pilots were successful be low, a significant number are being used Management System and e-book suppliers
in terms of student satisfaction of resource regularly. Usage data for 2013 reveals that would be welcome include improved
provision, operating PDA with more than one 24% of titles had ten accesses or more during workflows for bulk importing of MARC records
supplier can be challenging administratively. the year, the most popular title having over into the library catalogue and the deletion
Quantitative and qualitative data from the 800 accesses. Similar activity was seen for of the records of ‘unpurchased’ items at
pilots reassured us that PDA complemented 2011 and 2012. COUNTER BR2 reports, which plan closure; customised MARC records
traditional collection development and was measure the number of successful section to identify PDA items in the catalogue and
worth continuing with in a managed way. From request per title, also revealed some ‘big their concurrent user level, and improved
2012-13, four subject specific plans have been hitters’. usage reporting for easy identification of PDA
operating successfully. This information can be used to identify e-books.
Having had PDA plans operating for three titles that might be considered for addition to Going forward, we are planning to introduce
years, it has been possible to evaluate usage established reading lists as titles the students further subject specific plans, plus more
data in more detail. have found useful, to complement those titles that are targeted at specific user groups to
Of concern to some is that after purchase, recommended by academic staff. support service excellence in areas where dis-
PDA items may have limited use. Reviewing It has also been noticeable that book loan satisfaction has been identified. We are also
usage of the items purchased during the first requests via inter library loans have decreased interested in exploring ‘mediated’ PDA for print
12 months reveals that 14% had no further by 40% since the introduction of patron plans monographs and also reference books that are
use during the following 24 months. This is a suggesting that PDA may also be supporting traditionally purchased by standing order.
similar level to print books purchased during research.
the same period where 18% of the ‘loanable’ On reflection we believe that PDA
items had no loan activity in the two years after complements traditional collection
FIND OUT MORE
purchase. However, 53% of the PDA items development processes and the time spent
purchased saw ‘return’ usage in both 2011-12 at the planning and review stage is well worth Web: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/library
and 2012-13 academic years. the effort.
Capita delivers bespoke library management
system to further education colleges
Capita announces the launch of its college “Following the Government’s recent across other departments in their college, such
library management system (LMS) Strato, announcement to lift the cap on higher as their virtual learning environment. This will
specifically designed to meet the needs of education places, it has never been more ensure they can offer students a more joined
further education (FE) colleges. important for colleges to provide a great library up service in what is a competitive market.”
Born out of Capita’s cloud-based LMS and service. As colleges provide more higher
Capita’s considerable experience in the education, there will undoubtedly be more Join Capita at the Strato launch event on
academic library market, the software aims emphasis on them to provide students with Thursday 3rd April 2014.
to transform college libraries and enhance access to the same experience that they could
the overall student experience. receive at higher education institutions,” says To secure your free place simply visit
Optimised for mobile devices, such as Karen Reece, head of libraries at Capita’s www.capita-software.co.uk/
smartphones and tablets, the cloud-based software services business. “We’ve been stratolaunchevent
solution enables students to search for both working closely with further education colleges
physical and electronic library resources from to create an LMS that would meet students’ If you have any questions regarding the
a single search box, wherever they are and growing expectations, as well as a system that launch event or Strato, please don’t hesitate
whenever they want. It also means that staff makes life easier for college staff.” to contact us by calling 0870 400 5090 or
are able to use tablet devices to provide “In addition to improving efficiency and by emailing libraries@capita.co.uk
library services while on the move around students’ experience, colleges will also have
the college, increasing the time they have the added benefit of being able to integrate our Visit: www.capita-software.co.uk/strato
to spend supporting students. software with self-service kiosks and systems
www.capita.co.uk/libraries | Spring 2014 | Panlibus Magazine 9
Your Library, Edinburgh
Your Library, Edinburgh
Graham Mainds,
Service Development Leader,
Information and Digital Team
Edinburgh Libraries
January saw the launch of a brand new
version of Your Library, Edinburgh Libraries’
gateway site to its online resources and
services.
Featuring links to more than fifty sites and
apps, the new site makes it easier than ever for
library members to find information, learn new
skills and pursue their interests.
People are using the site to download
magazines with a free subscription to Zinio,
test their driving proficiency with Theory
Test Pro, search for sources of funding with
edinburgh4community or simply for renewing
their library books.
This is not the first incarnation of the
Your Library site, and it builds on some We also wanted a separate look and feel for The result of all this work is a site which we
of the thinking behind the existence of its children’s content, an improved search facility feel will help bring our online services and
predecessor. and closer integration between the online resources to a much wider audience. The new
resources and other information about the site is more user focused. The design allows
The success of the previous version library service. us to highlight the resources that we know are
convinced us that having a single access point already popular with customers, bringing these
for all our online resources and services was a So we got together with designers and to the attention of new users. By identifying an
good idea, but we also recognised that the site developers to make this vision a reality. The audience or outcome, such as starting a small
itself needed a complete overhaul. first version of the site was ready for the Edge business, learning a language or downloading
conference in February 2013, there was then a an e-book, we have signposted customers to
We needed a site that displayed well on period of reflection. Once we’d considered the the resources that will help them most.
mobile devices and reflected library branding feedback from colleagues and customers we
used elsewhere. Feedback from users and resumed work in the summer with the new site We are using Google Analytics to monitor
staff stressed the need for a less cluttered, going live in December. and assess use, looking at how, for example,
more intuitive design. inclusion on the home page affects the usage
It was heartening to discover that the people levels of a particular resource.
This design would have to take account who worked with us on the project understood
of twin aims: it would have to be as easy and embraced our plans for the site. Involving We anticipate that the site will develop and
as possible for library members to find and people from outside the library service was change in response to the needs of the people
carry out what you could call our ‘top tasks’ incredibly useful as they were able to view who use it.
(for example renewing loans or downloading things from a user’s perspective.
e-books) while increasing the ‘discoverability’ We’d encourage you to explore the site
of resources and services which might not User testing was a key part of the for yourself, and if you have any comments
be as readily familiar to the majority of our development process. This helped us to suggestions or questions about it, we would
audience. maintain our focus on the needs of library love to hear from you.
members. Through evaluation sessions we
could pick up on and resolve issues relating
to areas such as confusing navigation and FIND OUT MORE
unhelpful wording.
Email: informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk
Web: www.yourlibrary.edinburgh.gov.uk
Web: www.capita-discovery.co.uk/edinburgh
10 Panlibus Magazine | Spring 2014 | www.capita.co.uk/librariesOur self-service booking solutions
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Email: enquiries@lorensbergs.co.uk
Follow us: @lorensbergsDiscover the Magic
“Discover the Magic” – SOLUS and
The Reading Agency, Summer 2014
Neil Wishart, versions of ten well known mythical creatures in the library, which children have to find.
Director, - including a Minotaur with fluffy rabbit These are sized so even the smallest libraries
SOLUS slippers! Each child who takes part (and we’re and mobile libraries can take part. Participating
expecting over 800,000 in 2014) is given their libraries can download and print-off the
For several years now, augmented reality own special fold-out poster to get started… characters or purchase printed copies.
has been talked about and demonstrated the inside spread features a fantastical maze,
at library conferences as the next big thing and as children borrow and read library books This year that “hunt” will be enhanced with
in user engagement. Whilst impressive in over the summer, they collect stickers of these the latest SOLUS technology so that families
demonstration, so far, there have been no mythical creatures to stick on their poster and with smart devices can take advantage of an
practical implementations in Public Libraries complete the picture. exciting interactive experience and game.
in the UK.
Some of the stickers are scratch and sniff When children find the mythical characters
This year, a new development with and this year an added motivation to collect hidden in the library using the app, the AR
The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading all the stickers will be the “digital magic” triggers the legend to life on their device,
Challenge “Mythical Maze” will change this. added by a new SOLUS app. This will also let animating them and allowing the child to
An innovative collaboration between SOLUS children collect the mythical creatures on the keep the character in its own place in the
and The Reading Agency will excite and “Mythical Maze” app. For every sticker they “Mythical Maze” on the app. Remember the
engage children across the UK and hopefully receive in the library, they’ll get a digital reward “Tamagotchi”….. but with a quantum leap in
attract many more children into libraries in the on the app – which should also motivate graphic design and 2014 screen resolutions!
summer months. children to collect the stickers and thus finish
the challenge, pushing the completion rate As children collect more and more
The Reading Agency recently announced and participation in the Summer Reading characters they will also get rewards for finding
that a record 810,089 children took part in the Challenge to record levels. them. When they’ve found three, they’ll get
2013 Summer Reading Challenge in libraries,
a 9% increase on participation in 2012.
Almost 70,000 children joined a local library
and over 3.5 million children’s books were
borrowed over the period. It’s predicted that
the “Mythical Maze” will see records broken
again as children get caught up in a legendary
adventure in their library.
SOLUS will add some digital magic to the
challenge and the “Mythical Maze” will come
alive for children and “big kids” accompanying
them. Children or their families will be able
to download a FREE mobile application onto
their devices (iOS and Androids) and their
augmented reality experience will begin: sol.
us/mythical
Even before they enter the library, the
“Mythical Maze” app will use AR triggers in
promotional materials, such as the Summer
Reading Challenge promotional posters and
invitations, to give the viewer exciting content,
implanted to “wow”. This element is designed Interactive treasure hunt to play a specially designed game on their
to engage children, encourage them to visit the Over 3,500 libraries and mobile libraries device, after six another game and if they
library and take part in the challenge, however, in England, Wales and Scotland run the collect all ten, another game and a virtual
when they enter the library, the magic really challenge, and this includes arranging gold medal. Libraries will also have the option
begins! additional activities to keep the children and to stagger the placement of the mythical
their families entertained over the summer. character pictures throughout the holidays to
Following suggestions by children in For many years, a popular activity has been encourage further visits to the library to find
special workshops, the revered illustrator, the annual character hunt which features them all.
Sarah McIntyre, has created contemporary characters from that year’s challenge, hidden
12 Panlibus Magazine | Spring 2014 | www.capita.co.uk/librariesDiscover the Magic
At the heart of the Summer Reading that we don’t. Libraries and the Summer diluting the core aims of encouraging reading
Challenge is the crucial goal of trying to Reading Challenge are massively important in for pleasure and experiencing the library as
encourage more and more children to read ensuring that today’s children grow up reading a contemporary, welcoming and dynamic
for pleasure. Encouraging reading during the and I hope that by combining their gadgets community space for the whole family. This
school holidays is hugely important as that with gaming and cutting edge augmented partnership, with the SOLUS expertise, allows
break from the classroom often sees progress reality, an added incentive will be there this us to achieve more than we can on our own
slip back. Research shows that taking part summer. Companies like SOLUS can help and and shows that digital apps can be about peer/
in The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading we are really proud to be involved.” family activity – not necessarily an isolating
Challenge helps prevent the “summer reading experience for the user!”
dip”. What’s crucial then is that the “digital Liz McGettigan, Director of Digital Library
magic” also encourages children to read Experiences at SOLUS, adds, “There is such a
books, the key part of the challenge. lot of competition for people’s time these days.
Our customers, especially young people, now
The technology doesn’t stop there. At the have very high expectations of exciting digital
end of the challenge, children could have the and interactive experiences as part of their
option to receive future updates and content everyday lives. This is a digitally magical step
from The Reading Agency. With ambitious forward for libraries and just one of the exciting
future programmes in development, the magic and innovative ways we at SOLUS can support
will continue and ensure that children can be libraries to keep people coming.”
encouraged moving into the future.
Anne Sarrag, Director of the Summer
Neil Wishart, Director of SOLUS, explains, Reading Challenge agrees. “On behalf of the FIND OUT MORE
“We are delighted to be supporting The many libraries who run the Summer Reading
Reading Agency in their hugely important work Challenge, we welcome this support from Email: info@solus.co.uk
with libraries through the Summer Reading SOLUS, which enhances the reading challenge Web: www.solus.co.uk
Challenge. Encouraging children to read is experience and demonstrates the value-added
difficult; I know through the experience of fun, engagement and motivating activities that
trying to encourage my own children to take appeal to today’s digital natives! This is about All illustrations © Sarah McIntyre
their eyes away from their tablets. The easy applying digital technology thoughtfully to
thing to do is give in, but it’s crucial for children complement the existing challenge - without
www.capita.co.uk/libraries | Spring 2014 | Panlibus Magazine 13Giving readers what they want
Giving readers what they want
Create a streamlined, comprehensive, integrated eBook
library system to meet reader needs and expectations.
more books. In the near future, enhancements
Claudia Weissman, such as synched audio to text, gamification
Director of Education and Library Sales, and fixed layouts for graphic novels and
OverDrive children’s books will engage readers more
than ever.
Today’s libraries are expected to be By its very nature, eBook lending enables
everything to everyone – a research centre, access to reading material 24 hours per day,
an entertainment portal, a quiet escape, seven days per week, no matter the reader’s
a technology facility and so much more. schedule or the physical library’s hours of
Libraries have evolved to become increasingly operation. Support for eBooks on major
digitally-empowered through eBooks, online desktop, laptop, mobile and tablet devices
resources and digital management systems. means that readers can borrow and enjoy
As the world becomes more technologically eBooks virtually anywhere: at home, at the
advanced, libraries must continue to progress office, at school or on the go.
to best serve their readers.
A rise in understanding these types of
The digital difference benefits led to recommendations in the recent
People have differing needs and a variety of Sieghart Report, the Independent Review
preferences, and a library’s local community of E-Lending in Public Libraries in England,
is a mix of all types of readers. There are that public libraries should be able to offer
those who are young, old, studious, visually remote e-lending service to their readers, free
impaired, technically savvy, good readers, at point of use, with “frictions” to evolve over
reluctant readers, business professionals and time to protect publishers and booksellers. In
bookworms – and there are readers who have response, the government recommended a
not been to the library in years. By offering an number of pilots to run in 2013 to test business
eBook lending service, libraries reach more models and user behaviors. The Publishers
of their community members by giving them Association (PA) is in the midst of a one-year
a choice of how, when and where they would study with three libraries in the UK that use
like to read. OverDrive eBook lending services to determine
best practices for e-lending. Through this
For example, research shows that eBooks pilot program, OverDrive is working with the
are beneficial for visually impaired readers. industry to get more eBooks in the libraries
On their website, the Royal National Institute and develop the right business models for
of Blind People recommends eBooks as publishers.
a simple way for those with limited sight
to enjoy reading. Digital font sizes can be Trends in eBook reading
increased or decreased, and backlight colors The UK is the world’s fourth largest eBook
and brightness can be adjusted to a user’s market, behind the US, China and Russia,
preference. Digital audiobooks are another according to consultancy IDC. Analysts at
option for visually impaired booklovers. Nielsen predict that 2014 will be the year
when fiction eBooks overtake sales of fiction
Evidence also points to a preference of paperbacks in the UK.
eBooks among reluctant readers or those just
learning to read. According to a recent study Libraries in the US have already noticed a
by Scholastic, half of children aged 9-17 said shift. A Pew Research study shows that book-
they would read more books for fun if they borrowing habits are changing, with many
had greater access to eBooks. The appeal library members going to library branches less
of using an exciting device, the possibility for and using the library website more for eBook
large print, the privacy of an anonymous book and audiobook borrowing. As a result, many
title and the visual compilation of thousands librarians report that a portion of funds for
of book jacket images to browse may help purchasing printed books or other physical
motivate a reluctant reader of any age to enjoy media have been reallocated to eBook
14 Panlibus Magazine | Spring 2014 | www.capita.co.uk/librariesGiving readers rhat they want
purchases. A majority of these librarians are sampling and borrowing all in one place
excited about the role that eBooks have played without the patron needing to leave the
in their institutions and how digital reading has library’s website. Services such as Capita and
added to patrons’ lives, the Pew study says. OverDrive are able to work together to not only
make things easier on the library’s systems
OverDrive has seen a reflection of and processes, but also create an unmatched
this in their UK partner libraries as well. user experience for patrons.
OverDrive’s eBook lending platform is used
in approximately 50 percent of UK public Cuyahoga County Public Library in the US
libraries, and in 2013, more than 1.35 is a great example of a library taking steps to
million digital titles, including eBooks and do exactly that. Their website (http://ccpl.lib.
audiobooks, were borrowed from those overdrive.com) uses APIs to integrate their
libraries, an increase of 71% over 2012. LMS with their search, patron authentication
and metadata, simplifying processes for both
With the increase in demand for eBooks the library and its members. Furthermore,
and audiobooks, libraries are challenged the library is in the process of integrating a
with providing a website and lending platform circulation API that will also enable samples,
that work seamlessly together to provide checkouts and holds. The library also has
access to digital titles anytime, anywhere a dedicated kids’ eReading Room, which
for their patrons. Libraries continue to add separates all of their children’s titles from more
more content for their members in the form mature content to provide a safe browsing and
of eBooks, digital audiobooks, music, and borrowing area for their young readers without
video alongside their traditional print offerings, having to leave their website.
and integrated solutions have become
increasingly important for a streamlined Likewise, Liverpool Libraries and Information
user experience. Service uses APIs to integrate their processes
and services on their website, http://www.
As the population becomes readliverpool.co.uk. With this free integration,
more digitally-oriented, reader all materials’ metadata is displayed within the
expectations are leaning library’s online catalog, search and discovery
toward on-demand, easily is incorporated simply through HTML5 without
acquired information and fast the need for additional software. They also
response. They’re used to have a modern, clean design with easy
having what they want at navigation and all resources in one place.
the click of a mouse or
the tap of a touchscreen. Looking ahead
The point of entry is eBooks will continue to rise in popularity,
often the library’s and technology will continue to advance. New
website, where patrons enhancements will create a fully-immersive,
expect to find all of the interactive reading experience that patrons will
library’s materials in want to be a part of, and libraries will be able
one central, easily- to offer it to them. Fixed layouts for graphic
navigable location. novels, interactivity including quizzes and
It’s the library’s games, multimedia and synched audio to text
responsibility will be coming soon for eBooks, delivering
to draw in their more value through the digital collection and a
community by more engaged community of readers.
creating an online
environment that To effectively evolve in the modern age and
is inviting, simple, keep up with patron expectations, libraries
comprehensive and must offer content that readers want, how they
fully integrated. want it, when they want it, and with as much
simplicity and reliability as possible. Keeping
Integrated well stocked with eBooks, audiobooks,
solutions music and video to complement the physical
When a library’s collection is important to offer choices to
online presence integrates readers. Maintaining an up-to-date, fully
organisational structures integrated and seamless user experience on
such as finance systems, online the library website is vital for both the patron
payment systems and CRM and the library staff.
databases into one comprehensive
LMS, it saves the library time, money
and resources. Taking that concept a FIND OUT MORE
step further to offer convenience for library
patrons, libraries are now able to integrate Web: www.overdrive.com
search and browsing, user authentication,
www.capita.co.uk/libraries | Spring 2014 | Panlibus Magazine 15Public libraries and e-books
Public libraries and e-books:
Cause for optimism or concern?
currently on course for over 12,000 downloads, Overdrive proudly reviewed progress over
Stephen Edwards, a 300% increase on three years ago. However, the last 12 months and saluted the addition
Co-Chair, these figures are put into context by a recent of major publishers to its catalogue including
Shelf Free Telegraph report that indicates that half the Hachette, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and
population now owns or has access to a tablet Penguin. So, if 13,000 Simon and Schuster
On one hand, the post Sieghart report computer. Perhaps all our usage statistics titles are available for libraries to purchase in
outlook seems reasonably rosy. The patient could and should be much greater. This surely the USA, how many of them are available to
work of the Society of Chief Librarians and raises challenging questions, such as: how do purchase here? Well in terms of e-books as
Shelf Free e-books group has apparently we respond to potential demand that is there opposed to audio, you guessed it – zero. If
worked and the theoretical debate on remote now when the range of publishing available for the ‘Buy it Now’ option is working well in the
downloading via library websites appears to us to purchase is so small? Also, how do we USA, why could we not make a greater feature
be over. Pilots are under way and will hopefully respond to the needs of 50% of of it here now in the UK? Of course, we must
prove once and for all that e-lending does the community that can’t afford or ignores acknowledge that commercial realities of the
not adversely affect e-book sales, but, rather things digital? size of our business and the sensitivities of the
helps the market to grow. Those authorities UK market mean that we will have to wait for
with existing services are no doubt all seeing In addition, the awful question looms of the outcome of the Sieghart pilots to point the
significantly rising use. In Hampshire, for whether waiting another 12-18 months for the way forward. However, it should not be just a
example, over 15,000 people have used the logjam in the UK marketplace to break will question of waiting patiently and quietly for a
service since it started and January 2014 is mean that we have missed the boat. Recently, few crumbs to fall from the rich man’s table.
16 Panlibus Magazine | Spring 2014 | www.capita.co.uk/librariesPublic libraries and e-books
It may be true that practical questions around at least we as individuals can help promote voices heard. More contributors to Shelf Free
the friction needed in e-lending or the exact arguments in favour of e-lending. How work are welcome and bloggers are invited to
nature of business models required to ensure many of us can articulate what libraries can add their thoughts to the posts on our website:
publisher and bookseller viability remain to be positively bring to the table when, despite the http://shelffree.org.uk/
teased out by the pilots – but we should not best attempts of CILIP and EBLIDA to deal
shy away from pointing out the implications of with issues of copyright and readers’ rights,
slow progress for the viability of libraries and commercial interests will largely determine Addendum - Values and Value of
their digital role. what will happen? Of course, at a time when Public Library E-Lending:
Public libraries have a key role in widening access to e-books, - Public libraries have a key role in widening
access to e-books, reaching out to all
reaching out to all sections of local communities including those
sections of local communities including
that cannot access printed material easily or can only access those that cannot access printed material
services remotely. As with printed material, our role is to provide easily or can only access services
access for all and to ensure that e-books are not limited to those remotely. As with printed material, our role
is to provide access for all and to ensure
who can afford to purchase them or the latest piece of ‘kit’.
that e-books are not limited to those who
can afford to purchase them or the latest
Could we not as a profession, as individuals cuts in funding mean less and less library staff piece of ‘kit’.
within the profession, and as local authorities, and more and more overworked and stressed
point out to our members and customers that staff among the ones that are left, there seems - The library role to promote IT literacy is
various key issues are holding us back? This to be little time to get involved. However, have similarly important to society as a whole
is very tricky as we do not want to say that our a look at the values and value of e-lending and broadens the base of the digital
service is rubbish – indeed it is as good as it that Helen Leach and I came up with in the marketplace. This role includes providing
possibly can be in the circumstances – but nor Addendum to the right. Whether you agree access to the internet, providing training
do we wish anyone to be in doubt as to the or not, being aware of the issues and adding and support for those with and without
very real issues that the book trade faces as it an extra voice to the debate now and then will IT experience, as well as providing a
restructures itself in a digital era. We are now really help. If we are persuasive on our worth, wide range of information in the form of
beginning to work in partnership to address then partnership working will bear more fruit. e-resources.
those issues, which is very heartening, but part
of that process is to acknowledge the very real On the optimistic side again, the Shelf - Public libraries encourage wider, risk-
difficulties all sides face in order to hang on Free national e-books group continues to be free reading and, by supporting reader
to a niche in the e-book marketplace. Matters active. At the end of 2013, we held our annual development through signposting good
of natural justice such as PLR for e-books national meeting at the new Birmingham reads and supporting reading groups,
will just not go away, for example. The library Library with over 100 people present and promote interaction between readers,
side of that discussion is not particularly well had the opportunity to debate e-lending authors and publishers.
articulated in the public arena. Shelf Free issues with book trade representatives as
has tried to articulate in a constructive, non- well as hold skills sharing workshops. It is - The visibility and accessibility of free
confrontational way some of the issues we very clear that there is a lot of innovative hard e-book services provide a shop window
face in the e-book marketplace in a blog post work happening from promotional activity at and entry point to the wider book world
entitled ‘The Future of Public Library E-Book railways stations to e-reader workshops which for all library customers. This presence is
Services and the Range of Titles Provided – all seems to be paying off in terms of take-up. important at a time when economic and
A Position Statement’: I wonder how much more can we achieve if digital marketplace changes may affect
http://shelffree.org.uk/page/2/. Anyone we continue to work together more closely. how the commercial sector operates.
is welcome to use, customise, disagree, or It was good, for example, to hear how well
comment on it. Perhaps, any response is the Welsh Consortium has worked in setting - Public libraries have a proven track record
good if it gets a debate going that makes the up and developing excellent services with in effective partnership working and will
population at large know what is happening. Askews, whose offering goes from strength to have an important contribution to make
The coming EBLIDA (European Bureau strength. In addition, if we could work toward in promoting a healthy marketplace with
of Library Information and Documentation all aggregators having customer user groups, access for all. Public libraries working with
Associations) campaign in 2014 on e-lending this would also undoubtedly help to drive publishers, booksellers and authors can
rights and responsibilities as well as World development. develop the e-book marketplace for mutual
Book Day is an opportunity for us to highlight benefit.
these issues. Could we not create a national In conclusion, the state of e-lending
e-lending day or include this as a significant continues to be one of flux with positive signs
element of existing celebratory days? and cause for concern. As well as the outcome FIND OUT MORE
of the post Sieghart pilots, we await new
Even if authorities as political entitles have entrants to the UK market and trickle down Web: shelffree.org.uk
to be careful what they say or endorse, then from US initiatives. Meanwhile, let’s make our Email: shelffree@gmail.com
www.capita.co.uk/libraries | Spring 2014 | Panlibus Magazine 17You can also read
