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Open Books
Google Books announced today that users can download over a million public domain titles in an open source format. “.epub” is the file extension of an XML format for reflowable digital books and publications. Sony Reader, iPhone and iPod Touch are popular digital readers that support .epub, as does software Adobe Editions and MobiPocket.
Though I don’t see a way to search specifically for these titles, on an item page look for a Download button to see if your chosen title is available in the new format or try http://books.google.com/m
Many libraries have already embraced digital downloads and trained staff on how to use Overdrive or NetLibrary. Despite the qualms we may have about the Google book deal, our digital patrons be all over this.
Will we?
About the author
Marianne Lenox holds a degree in Communications and a background in theater which helped her bluff her way through a varied list of jobs that included retail management and outside sales. As a stay-at-home-mom in the mid 90’s, she decided to learn about the Internet and computers instead of watching soap operas and drinking Bloody Mary's. Between diaper changes she volunteered at her local library branch of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library in Alabama and ultimately became a library employee as the children entered school. Serving in several different capacities, Marianne found her true calling in library administration as the Staff Training and Development Coordinator in 2004. She is also involved with public training classes, heads the disaster team and is the United Way fundraising chair. Her duties were expanded to include volunteer relations in 2008 when she was named Staff & Volunteer Development Coordinator for HMCPL. Her interests include learning in work, personal and social environments, presentation style and delivery, and greater knowledge through networking and technology. Marianne is an entertaining speaker and knowledgeable trainer to library groups and other organizations on a variety of topics. She also blogs at mariannelenox.com, still insisting that her Internet addiction is a Good Thing.
| This entry was posted by Marianne Lenox on August 26, 2009 at 7:41 pm, and is filed under Technology. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
about 1 year ago
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing. I love to read ebooks on my Blackberry and have been looking for a good source of free titles for MobiPocket.
about 1 year ago
I did have to go through MobiPocket’s Desktop version to convert the .epub file and send to MobiPocket on my mobile, but other than that it works great. Thanks, Lori!
about 1 year ago
Regarding the actual finding of free ebook content, have you seen Overdrive’s “Library Finder” tool? http://sonysearch.overdrive.com/
about 1 year ago
Yes, I saw that this morning, Peter, thanks. Sony’s putting alot of money into the campaign for their latest reader, and linking with local libraries is certainly a smart way to promote it.