Webinar presented to MLS members about the statewide eBook pilot project.

1. MLS eBook Project
Webinar presentation by Deb Hoadley
May 13, 2013

2. TimelineoftheProject
May 2012: Resource Sharing Unbound workshop sponsored by MLS & MBLC
October 2012: Statewide Resource Sharing Planning Committee proposes Business Plan
Oct-Mar 2013: Plan begins to move forward; eBook taskforce formed; pilot libraries
identified; MLS selected to manage project; RFP issued
Apr-Dec 2013: RFPs received; vendors chosen, implementation and 1st phase is launched

3. Definitions
eBook – an eBook (variously, electronic book, eBook, or digital
book) is a book-length publication in digital form, consisting of
text, images or both, and produced on, published through, and
readable on computers or other electronic devices. Sometimes
the equivalent of a conventional printed book, eBooks can also
be born digital.
Users – Massachusetts library card holders.

4. Models for eBooks
• Overdrive Model – library needs to be networked or in a
consortium (individual libraries can have Advantage for own
collection); no ownership; one checkout per title; pay for
platform; downloaded to most eReader/devices; mostly public
library collection driven (starting to offer core curriculum for
schools)
• Freading – library purchases tokens for eBooks; some
bestselling content; no ownership; simultaneous checkouts
per title
• Subscription Model – like EBSCO or EBL; aggregators of
content; simultaneous users per title; patron driven
acquisitions; buy access to collection, not individual titles; can
be accessed through computer download or app on tablet;
not checked out and transferred to eReader/device.

5. Models for eBooks Continued
• Douglas County Model – own Adobe server; negotiates
ownership of content with publishers; access to local content;
patron driven acquisitions available; one county system;
downloadable to eReader/device; licensing requirements still
apply
• Other states – (NC, KS, CA, WA, CO, AZ) focus on local
content/authors and digital archival materials; one library type
or at most two types of content collected; bring all online
content under one umbrella
• MLS Statewide eBook Model – multi-type libraries across the
state for access to all eBooks available; various collection
content; increase resource sharing statewide; ownership when
applicable; provide local content

6. Key Points and Benefits
• Participate in building a statewide shared eBook collection
that will be available to all MA residents
• A statewide committee will drive collection development
policies and procedures
• Collectively own a collection of thousands of eBooks
• Leasing option is always available for appropriate collections
• Contribute and provide an entrée to local content, for example
history, literature and news
• Preserve our vital resource sharing environment that is at risk
with the various platforms/content silos
• Benefit from efficiencies of centralized technology
management, administration and contract negotiations (MLS
role)

7. Desired Outcome
All library card holders in MA will have access to a broad
selection of titles through a single, user-friendly, statewide
discovery platform, which will ultimately be integrated into all
library catalogs or single catalog or portal.
There will be a statewide collection and collection policy ,
selected and developed by representatives from public, school,
academic and special libraries.
There will be a sustainable, equitable funding model created and
developed by representatives from public, school, academic and
special libraries for continued purchasing on online content.

8. Pilot Project – April-Dec. 2013
• 50 pilot libraries made up of public, school, academic and
special libraries
• RFP issued and vendors chosen that reflect the scope and
vision
• Three taskforces formed: Collection Development;
Sustainability & Funding; and PR/Marketing
• 10,000 titles for opening collection
• Integration into library website/catalog
• Training & Implementation
• End-user training; evaluation/feedback
• Rolling-in phases to incorporate other libraries in the state

9. Learn More
• MLS Resource Guide – multi-purpose guide where you can
find out more about the project, brief blog info, RFP details,
articles and other information about eBooks, and this
presentation!
• MLS eBook Blog – up-to-date information about the project,
as well as other information that is pertinent to eBooks and
online content. We welcome your questions and
contributions to this blog. Sign up for RSS feed.
• Contact me, Deb Hoadley, Advisor and Team Leader for the
MLS Statewide eBook Project