EBOOK LIBRARY (EBL)

In collaboration with leading university and research libraries and major academic publishers, eBooks Corporation recently launched eBook Library (EBL), a new ebook lending platform that delivers a rapidly expanding catalog of ebooks to academic and research libraries.

EBL aims to extend digital lending capabilities, enable greater availability of books to greater number of students and deliver real cost savings and convenience to libraries and book publishers.

EBL draws on extensive experience in print and digital publishing, and on advice from respected members of the library, publishing and technology communities. The result is a new approach to ebook lending that integrates seamlessly with library workflow's, provides an intuitive interface for flexible purchase and lending.

So what's Different about EBL?
Flexibility is what sets EBL apart. EBL is not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, EBL caters for your specific needs. EBL offers several lending models, including multiple concurrent use and short-term rental. You can build your collection one book at a time, or buy a collection. When you buy a book from EBL, it's yours in perpetuity. EBL's ebooks are cheap -- usually priced at list. Users can choose to read books online in their browser, or download entire books into Adobe Reader 7.0.

EBL addresses the needs of academic and research libraries…
Rather than trying to create a model that will satisfy all libraries, EBL focuses on the specific needs of academic and research-based libraries. EBL aims to...

Aggregate relevant and recent titles – Global STM Focus
Although EBL offers content across all subject areas, the initial focus is on recent titles – most specifically in the areas of Science, Technology and Medicine (STM). EBL features content from publishers worldwide, including the largest offering of Australian ebooks available.

Enhance functionality and accessibility
EBL features innovative functionality such as:

Multiple concurrent access
Online and offline access solutions
Read aloud for all titles
Chapters for reserve circulation and course packs
Browse full-text for students before borrowing and for faculty before purchasing
Full-text search across catalogue

EBL approaches lending differently…
EBL uses technology to make content more accessible, not to lock it away with rigid access rules. EBL offers flexible access models including Non-Linear Lending™, unlimited access, and short-term circulation.

Multiple concurrent access
Non-Linear LendingTM is a system which surpasses the traditional print model of limiting access to one patron at a time. Non-Linear LendingTM limits the total number of lending days per year per title but enables multiple-concurrent access.

Online and offline access solutions
Patrons can browse all books and utilise full-text search within the browser. Titles can be accessed either online, through EBL’s PDF-based reader, or by downloading Adobe Acrobat ebooks to a PC, laptop or PDA for offline use.

Short Term Circulation
EBL's pay-per-use model which provides a ‘just-in-time’ solution for libraries and patrons and a possible alternative to interlibrary loan.

Chapters for Reserve Lending, Course-packs and purchase
Using virtual photocopy technology, EBL can produce chapters on the fly. Chapters can be utilised for purchase by students, for reserve lending by libraries, for inclusion in ePack course-packs.

Click on the following links for further information on EBL:

Q& A – Access, Pricing & General (pdf 152KB)

EBL Publisher List (pdf 1.1MB April 2010)

Download a brochure (pdf 9.24MB)...

Find out about the innovative features of EBL...
Download the latest EBL Brochure in Adobe PDF format (700 KB).

30 Day Trial Now Available
Libraries can now sign up for 30-day trial access to the complete EBL library platform. Trial access provides full access to both LibCentral, our library administration portal, and to the Patron portal.
Click here to download PDF trial set-up form (32KB).