Libraries in the UK are beginning to see a growth in demand for eBooks and some are already operating a digital download service for their local members.

Library

When people predicted the death of the traditional library they probably never reckoned on the power of the eBook and it looks like the current popularity and growth in the electronic book market has created a demand with some forward thinking libraries now offering an eBook download service.

So far, just a select few libraries are offering this service but it is hoped that many others will soon follow and provide a download service of their own.

Libraries Offering an eBoook Download Service

Libraries planning to offer an eBook service in the near future include Hampshire, Liverpool and Norfolk.

So far, only local members will be able to use these services by logging on to their library’s website and downloading the books direct to their own computer. These can then be transferred, just like any other eBook onto their reading device such as the Sony Reader or Cool-er. As yet, the files can not be transferred to the Kindle but who knows what other services will develop in the future? The books will be digitally protected and expire automatically after 14 days by self-deleting.

Library operators are obviously beginning to see the benefits that such a service can offer, the books are obviously cheaper to store and administer and it’s also considered to be a useful development for the elderly, disabled and housebound who, until now, have had difficulty using the traditional library service.

Traditional library services have been in steady decline over the past few years – partly due to the fact that books are much more readily and economically available than used to be the case and also because cuts in funding have severely reduced the amount of books that libraries can buy.

The download service is provided by digital media company Overdrive – for a video tour of how the service works click here