DPLA and BiblioLabs Partner on Statewide EBooks Access

The Digital Public Library of America (DPLS) has issued a press release. RF runs it as becasue of the innovative nature of the new model.

The Digital Public Library of America has partnered with BiblioLabs to offer libraries the ability to license a growing collection of more than 16,000 ebooks, including independent author collections and titles from a number of major publishers, using a simultaneous multi-use model that allows an unlimited number of patrons to borrow books at the same time. BiblioLabs has been a pioneer in statewide ebook projects, using innovative and sustainable lending models to help libraries scale ebook programs in new and exciting ways. The partnership will give state libraries the unprecedented ability to provide ebook collections to every resident in the state. 

"The simultaneous multi-use model is a powerful way to reach new digital-first users who have yet to discover their local library. The model also provides expanded access for people who don’t live near a library or can’t get to one,” said Michele Kimpton, Director of Business Development and Senior Strategist. “We are excited to partner with BiblioLabs to offer unlimited access to a diverse and curated collection of books and work with state libraries and others to offer these to all of their residents.”  

“Forward-looking publishers and independent authors realize that libraries are an important asset to their missions. This is a true collaboration that helps libraries compete for digital attention in a way that provides readers what they want in a simple, easy-to-use model. We are proud to be working with DPLA to offer an ebook model that is inclusive and does not financially punish libraries for succeeding at their mission to drive literacy and reading across a wide spectrum of readers,” said BiblioLabs CEO Mitchell Davis. 

In addition to expanding its ebook offerings, DPLA has expanded its team, welcoming Jill Blades as ebooks outreach program leader. Blades comes to DPLA from Baker and Taylor, where she worked with both school and public libraries all over the U.S., most recently as field sales consultant to public libraries in the Southeast. With her deep expertise and knowledge of library workflows, Blades will strengthen DPLA’s partnerships with libraries across the country, helping them to improve patron access to ebooks and audiobooks through the DPLA Exchange.

DPLA’s ebook work has been supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. SimplyE, the open e-reading platform, was developed by The New York Public Library. To learn more about Open Bookshelf, SimplyE and other DPLA ebooks offerings, visit ebooks.dp.la.

DPLA will be sharing details about our 2020 work, including our national ebooks collaboration, at ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia later this month:

Saturday, January 25

3-4 pm:  DPLA: What’s New for 2020 in Room 201-ABC