Submitted by Staff on
Dear Library and School Partners,Just over a year ago at Digipalooza 2011, I reported on enhancements and services that OverDrive would deliver for your digital collections. Notable accomplishments since then include the launch of Amazon Kindle compatibility for existing and new eBook titles (U.S. only), enhancements to our mobile apps for smartphones and tablets, a brand-new OverDrive Help, low-cost MARC records, plus the addition of thousands of popular titles to Content Reserve (including a little series about a boy wizard).
Now, I’m excited to report on the service enhancements we’ll deliver during the 2012 holiday season and months following. We’re working on a complete redesign of our library lending platform to achieve best-in-class user experience. This Next Generation platform will include a new search engine, one-step checkout, responsive websites optimized for every screen, and a new way for users to experience eBooks-OverDrive Read.
OverDrive Read: See Book. Read Book.
As we’ve previously announced, OverDrive Read is the new browser-based eBook reading experience that provides instant access to titles from any web-connected device. Whether from a desktop or mobile device, readers will be able to quickly browse, check out, and read EPUB eBooks instantly online and offline—no activation or download required. This will not change the number of available copies or holds in your collection, nor will it eliminate the need for user authentication. OverDrive Read takes advantage of EPUB and HTML5 with native support for color, video, interactivity and easy title integration with social media and education systems. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be upgrading your OverDrive-powered website with OverDrive Read samples of most EPUB eBooks in your existing collection, and by the holidays, this new reading option will enable checkout of full titles. To learn more about OverDrive Read, click here; to view OverDrive Read samples, click the book jackets below.
See Book. Read Book. Click a cover to read a sample.*
Read full letter from OverDrive CEO, Steve Potash.