Public libraries throughout the state of Delaware will have simultaneous, multi-user access to more than 21,000 e-books from leading publishers, thanks to a new pilot program from digital content and technology provider ebrary. In addition, Delaware public high schools will be eligible for complimentary onsite and offsite access.
“Now, every public library card-holder in the State of Delaware has unlimited, multi-user access to an incredible variety of topics, delivered to personal computers or portable devices equipped with web browsers,” said Annie Norman, Director and State Librarian at The Delaware Division of Libraries. “The ebrary platform also includes some amazing contextual tools for deeper exploration of the texts.”
ebrary’s Public Library Complete Pilot Program includes a collection of more than 21,000 full-text e-books from publishers such as Random House, Penguin, and the McGraw-Hill Companies in multiple subject areas for schools & studying, career development, fiction, practical life skills, arts & leisure, and more. It also includes more than 4,200 Spanish language titles. Free access for local public high schools is provided.
As part of the program, the Delaware Division of Libraries may use DASH!™ (Data Sharing, Fast), ebrary's do-it-yourself e-publishing tool to upload and share its own special collections and digitized materials with member libraries, other institutions, or freely on the web.
The Public Library Complete Pilot Program is available 24/7 through any web-enabled device including the iPad. Text-to-speech and other features make the program accessible for a wide range of users, while tools such as multiple search options, personal bookshelves, and the ability to copy/paste and print text with automatic citations support students' research efforts. ebrary InfoTools™ turns every word into a portal to additional information on the web.
“A growing number of public libraries rely on their state libraries to select and provide access to authoritative information, especially in light of the economy. At the same time, public schools throughout the U.S., which have experienced significant materials budget cuts, are increasingly looking to their public libraries for support,” said Christopher Warnock, CEO of ebrary. “We are very excited that Delaware has selected our Public Library Complete Pilot Program as an affordable and efficient way to extend access to authoritative information, and we look forward to learning from this pilot to ensure we address community needs.”
