Our eBook Project has been in the news a lot lately, and we're thrilled that so many people want to
know more about what we're doing. Here's an update on our project (as of September 24, 2012):
Califa eBook Project:
A Platform Created by Libraries to Serve Libraries
One note: I do update our blog more than this page. So if you want the latest, go to the blog and search for entries labeled "ebook Journey".
Where We Are Now:
- We purchased the Adobe Content Server Software.
- After a long search, we decided on hosting.com to host.
- We are partnering with one of our member libraries, Contra Costa County Library, to create
the platform. CCCL has a technical staff that has the expertise and vision to create an amazing service, and we're thrilled
to be working with them.
- We are working with the Quipu Group to create the VuFind+ front end.
- We are working with a mobile app company to build apps that will enable users on smartphones and
tablets to browse, search for, and check out materials on the go.
- We are negotiating directly with publishers for the right to purchase their content.
- We have already ordered from Workman, Dzanc and Bancforft.
- We started a Collection Development Committee to start going through the publishers and handle purchasing.
- Approximately 50 publishers have shown interest in our project - mostly independents, though that's what we're going after for now.
Independent publishers care about getting their books read. We care about having books available to read. It's a good match.
- We're interested in piloting any types of other models besides the one-checkout-at-a-time model. Any publishers who want to try something inventive, perhaps
usage-based, just let us know. We're open to anything. Well, most anything.
Where we're going:
- CCCL will begin piloting in the Fall of 2012. We will show their demo at CLA in November 2012.
- Next to be set up will be some of the BALIS libraries on different ILS systems. Balis put seed money into the project.
- The State Library of Kansas also signed up and will be set up after the BALIS libraries; towards the end of the year.
- We will have a shared collection available for libraries to join in Springime 2013.
- We will have an Acquisitions Catalog built so that libraries can purchase their own local content, as well as
participate in a shared collection. We are aiming to have that catalog available by year 2.
- We will work with self-publishing platforms and leaders in the self-publishing industry to allow
libraries to support authors, and support the creation of content.
