Read Library E-books on iPhone and Android Devices

By Hannah Johnson

It appears that library lending is going digital. Overdrive, a global distributor of digital content to libraries and schools, announced its new mobile apps for iPhone and Android devices yesterday. With these apps, users can download e-books and audiobooks from library catalogs directly to their mobile devices. The content automatically expires after the check-out period is over.

Overdrive has launched this new service internationally, and the apps are available in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and nine other countries. Earlier in 2010, there was much debate in the UK about whether libraries should lend e-books and what, if any, restrictions should be placed on that service.

We polled PP readers to find out what they thought, and 93% of you said that libraries should lend e-books.

About the Author

Hannah Johnson

Hannah Johnson is the publisher of international book industry magazine Publishing Perspectives, which provides daily information and news about book markets around the world. In addition to building partnerships with international cultural and trade organizations, she works with the Frankfurt Book Fair to organize and support a number of its overseas initiatives. Hannah has also worked as the managing editor for an online media company, The Hooch Life, focused on craft distillers and cocktail experts. Prior to that, she worked as a project manager for the Frankfurt Book Fair’s New York office, managing various business and marketing activities.