14th July 2011

The Association of Public Library Managers Inc (APLM) announces the upcoming release of a new service to bring ebooks and other digital content to New Zealand public libraries. This initiative highlights how libraries are evolving with technology to best meet the changing reading and information needs of their communities. The new service will be launched in coming months using OverDrive – the same service currently used by Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington public libraries.

This new service will make both ebooks and digital audio books available to download at around 40 library systems that have formed three regional consortia (Upper North Island, Lower North Island and South Island). In line with current international practice, downloads through the APLM service will be free to members of the participating libraries.

“By joining together, libraries have made significant savings in setting up the technical infrastructure required to integrate the new lending system into their websites, and will be able to offer a much wider range of material to their communities than by doing so on a go-it-alone basis” said project coordinator, Paul Nielsen of Hauraki District Libraries.

This project is a great example of resource-sharing by libraries to maximise value for Councils and to make this cutting-edge service available to as many New Zealanders as possible. “We are very excited to be offering these digital collections to library users across the country” says Mr Nielsen.

ENDS

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