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?
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.
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!
Regarding the actual finding of free ebook content, have you seen Overdrive’s “Library Finder” tool? http://sonysearch.overdrive.com/
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.