ePub Enters the Public Library

Members at both Cleveland Public Library and CLEVNET member libraries can now download EPUB eBooks from the library's website. The EPUB files can be read on the Sony reader or via Adobe Digital Editions on a PC or Mac. Digital aggregator Overdrive is planning to extend the service to other libraries powered by its service.

The libraries are able to offer a variety of borrowing options, such as 7, 14, or 21 day lending periods. This again raises the question that if you are now able to rent an ebook for free, why would you want to buy one? You only need to validate that you are a community member and are entitled to lend material and never need to set foot in a library again. How do we balance a public library and a retail model? What is the impact on author royalties if the dominant ebook model was based them being loaned under a library licence with an aggregator such as Overdrive?