Ohio eBook Project – FAQ
Cataloging
Collection
Cost
General Rules
Hardware/Computer Capacity
Partnership/Sharing
Tech Support & Training
Cataloging:
- 1. How will cataloging be handled? Through the State Library or would libraries have local responsibilities?
- A MARC record will be purchased for each title to be added to the OEP collection. (Duplicate titles will not need MARC records.) Each library will be able to load the MARC records into their own catalogs through an OCLC ftp option. A library does not have to integrate the MARC records into their catalogs. Further details are available from the OEP project manager, Rebecca Felkner.
- 2. How long will it take to get titles in our OPAC?
- This varies considerably. OverDrive adds the title to the Ohio eBook Project web site within a day but the MARC records take longer to arrive.
- 3. Will I be able to keep and get statistics specific to my users and library?
- Yes! OverDrive has many reports built into their system. A library may log into their account and choose the report that they want. There are reports available both on the consortium level and on a library by library basis.
Collection:
- 1. What titles will be available?
- This is entirely up to the member libraries of the OEP. All libraries will be allowed to choose the materials they would like to add to the collection. OverDrive allows you to see what materials the other libraries in the OEP have already ordered to prevent repeat ordering. The OEP project manager will oversee the ordering to ensure that libraries are ordering their promised amount.
- 2. What will the scope of the collection be?
- The State Library will not impose the scope. Member libraries can order whatever eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMusic and eVideo are available through the OverDrive Web site, www.contentreserve.com. You will order your portion of the collection through your Content Reserve account. A collection development task force created a collection development guidelines document. You can request a copy from project manager Rebecca Felkner.
- 3. What is the title selection process?
- All member libraries will have a code that will identify them in the OverDrive system. They may go in to the ordering system at anytime to choose titles and order them under their code. You will be able to view what other libraries in the OEP have ordered to prevent duplicate ordering.
- 4. How many copies will there be of each title?
- As of May 2008, the Ohio eBook Project holdings consist of 6292 copies of 4395 individual titles of eAudiobooks, eBooks, eVideo and eMusic.
- Some eAudio and eVideo titles permit simultaneous, multiple downloads. The number of one copy–one circulation materials depends on the number of copies purchased by the members of the OEP.
- 5. How long will wait lists for titles be?
- This depends on the number of copies purchased, the circulation time, and the popularity of titles. The collection is closely monitored and recommendations are posted for certain books to be ordered by more libraries to address the issue of long holds.
- 6. Do we have to spend a certain amount each quarter?
- No, as long as you spend the promised amount during the year.
- 7. How often can we purchase?
- As often as you like, as long as you spend the amount you agreed to spend on this project. You may not want to spend the entire amount at once because OverDrive does frequently expand the offerings.
- 8. Can we spend more than we initially commit?
- Yes. You will be billed by OverDrive through your OverDrive account for whatever you order.
- 9. What materials will be in the collection? Will the collection be Ebooks or eAudiobooks, eVideo, or eMusic or all? And are all eBooks also eAudiobooks?
- The collection will be eAudiobook, music, video and eBooks. eBooks are not digital audio books and eAudiobooks are not eBooks. (However, you may purchase a title in both eBook and eAudiobook format.)
- 10. What will the licensing look like? One copy/one circulation? Or unlimited checkouts?
- A portion of the eAudiobooks and eVideo available from OverDrive are available for unlimited checkouts. Other eAudiobooks and eVideo and all eBooks and eMusic will be available only as one–copy/one–circulation.
Cost:
- 1. What is the cost?
- There is a one time installation fee of $1500 for automation integration.
- Each library must pledge 1% of it's print books, monographs and AV collection budget for its first membership year, for each following year, the pledge amount is .5% of that portion of the library's budget. You will be asked to write the amount in the memo of understanding you will sign to join the Ohio E-book Project (OEP). The OEP project manager will check the OverDrive purchases quarterly to ensure every OEP member is contributing their promised amount. If 1% of this portion of your budget is over $15,000, your contribution will be capped at $15,000 and in following years it will be capped at $10,000. If 1% of this portion of your budget is under $500, your contribution will be set at $500 for all membership years.
- You may need to purchase a SIP2 or SIP license for your ILS system that will permit OverDrive to integrate with your library's ILS system. Contact your ILS vendor for this cost. If your ILS vendor is Innovative Interfaces, you can also use Patron API and if your library uses a Dynix ILS, you can use RPA.
- If you intend to integrate all the Ohio eBook Project MARC records into your catalog, your catalog will need to be able to hold the influx.
- As part of your pledged 1% amount, for each book you purchase for the OEP you must pay a $1.50 fee for the accompanying MARC record if the title is new to the OEP collection.
- 2. How is the percentage of your collection budget calculated? Is it calculated on the entire collection budget or just the AV budget?
- It is calculated on your print books, print monographs, and your AV collection budget.
- 3. Will cost depend on the size of your library?
- Not at this time. It will depend on the size of your collection budget.
- 4. What does the resource sharing agreement entail?
- All participating libraries will have access to all the materials in the OEP. When one library purchases a title, that MARC record will be shared with all libraries in the OEP. All participating libraries may make their own decisions to integrate the OEP MARC records into their catalogs. If libraries do integrate the MARC records into their catalogs, patrons can click on the title in their respective library catalogs and be taken to the central Web page for the OEP. OverDrive will host this Web page on their server.
- 5. Will the cost be stable for a period of years or fluctuate?
- Yes, it will be stable for the time being. In that it will remain dependent upon the percentage of your collection budget.
- 6. Will special equipment be required, what is the cost of that equipment?
- Each system will need to be SIP, SIP2, or NCIP compliant. If your ILS vendor is Innovative Interfaces, you may use the Patron API protocol and if your ILS vendor is Dynix, you can use the RPA protocol. Contact your vendor if you need to purchase this for your ILS system.
- 7. Does the cost include MARC records?
- Yes, you may include the cost of MARC records in your pledged amount. A library will be charged $1 for a MARC record for each new title that they add to the collection. If a library purchases a title that is already in the collection, they will not be charged for the MARC record because there will already be a MARC for the title. All participating libraries will share the MARC records by downloading them from a central site. The libraries must agree on custom MARC fields for the record that are neutrally worded and not library specific. (i.e. "Click here to pick up your digital book.")
- 8. Do the participating libraries sign a contract for a certain length of time?
- Libraries will sign a memo of understanding with the State Library of Ohio. All libraries who sign the memo of understanding, will belong to the OEP for one year. Participating libraries will be expected to contribute the promised amount by the end of the year they belong to the OEP.
General Rules:
- 1. If a library leaves the project, would the library retain any of the digital materials? The ones they purchased?
- If a library leaves the project, they do not retain any of the digital materials. The digital materials belong to the OEP.
- 2. Will the books be renewable?
- You won't be able to renew a title but you can check it out again if there are no holds on it. For an eBook, that means you have to download the book again. For eAudiobooks, eVideo, and eMusic, you will only need to receive a new license – you will not need to download again.
- 3. Will libraries have to allow downloading in their libraries?
- No, this will be up to the individual library.
- 4. When does the project start? What is the sign–up date? The close–out date?
- Open enrollment is offered twice a year, in November-December for a late January launch, and in May-June for a July 31 launch
- 5. If we can't join at this time, will there be another opportunity?
- Yes, libraries will be able to join OEP twice a year (see #4 above.) Announcements will be made before each enrollment period.
- 6. Will each library select and buy titles or will we be billed by the State Library and the State Library will select the titles?
- Each library will select and be billed by OverDrive for their own titles.
- 7. Can all libraries in the state use the Ohio eBook Project materials or just the participating libraries?
- Only participating libraries in the OEP may use the materials.
- 8. Can this project be open to GCLC's Kentucky/Indiana members?
- Yes.
- 9. When you a download a title, how long will you retain that title?
- The lending period is currently 14 days for eBooks and eAudiobooks and 7 days for eMusic and eVideo.
- 10. Can we limit the types of materials that minors can check out?
- We generally do not limit the types of materials though it is possible. The only format in the Ohio eBook Project that is restricted for minors are the MPAA-rated videos that are rated above 'G'. This restriction is dependent on whether or not your local library puts a 'minor' designation on juveniles' cards.
Hardware/Computer Capacity:
- 1. Will libraries need to purchase equipment from OverDrive or their ILS vendors to be compatible? What is the cost of this equipment? Who will pay for it? Will the State Library supply hardware to libraries or patrons?
- Libraries will not need to purchase equipment from OverDrive. HOWEVER, libraries may need to purchase a SIP, SIP2, or NCIP license or other protocol from their vendor if they do not have one already.
- Individual libraries may choose to check out equipment to patrons but that is a local decision, independent of the State Library.
- 2. Will the State Library supply hardware to libraries? Patrons?
- No, the State Library will not supply hardware. No hardware is needed except for the patrons' ebook or digital audio device. Patrons will access their library's catalog through their own computer or PDA, click on the link to 'ebooks', once on the ebook site, patrons can download the materials to their own computer or PDA.
- The MobiPocket Reader will not work on any Apple Computer product. You cannot use the audio books or e-music with Apple computers because Apple does not currently support copy-protected Windows Media Files (WMA) and the audio books and e-music are delivered in WMA format.
NOTE: You will not be able to download to IPODS. - NOTE: (In March 2008, OverDrive released a statement that a handful of the publishers they work with will start providing a minimal number of titles in Summer 2008 that will be DRM-free and therefore will work on iPods. At this time, we do not know what titles this will effect.)
- Downloads can take place at any computer or PC equipped with Adobe Reader, MobiPocket Reader for the ebooks or media software for the digital audio books and e-music.
- 3. What is the equipment required to download materials?
- For eBooks: A computer or PDA must have Adobe Reader or MobiPocket Reader digital book software to read ebooks. You can download this software for free from the Ohio eBook Project site. Note: MobiPocket Reader does not work on Apple computers
- For eAudiobooks, eMusic and eVideo: A computer or PDA must have the OverDrive Media Console software to download and play the eAudiobook, eMusic or eVideo. <BOLD> (Note: Apple Computers DO NOT support the OverDrive Media Console.)
You can download the OverDrive Media Console for free from the Ohio eBook Project site, and then transfer the audio book, music or video to Windows Media player. You also may save some audio books to a CD–Rom and listen on any standard CD player. - Adobe Reader, MobiPocket Reader and OverDrive's Media software will all be available to download to your PC or PDA from the OEP's digital book Web site, http://ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com. This digital software can be downloaded for free.
- 4. What is the MobiPocket Format? Is it free? Must it be purchased and installed?
- MobiPocket is a type of digital book software, as is Adobe Reader. You can download it to your PC or PDA for free. A link to download MobiPocket software package will be on the OEP's Web site.
- 5. What is the size of a download? How long does it typically take to download?
- The time to download any of the materials depends on several factors including the size of the book, the speed of your telecommunication connection, and the processor in the device you are using to download. It is not recommended to use a dial-up connection to try to download e-video.
- 6. Will the digital materials be available on our local system or will they run through the statewide system like the OPLIN research databases?
- The digital materials will all be available through your local catalog. OverDrive will host a centralized Web site for the OEP. You will link from your catalog to this site through your MARC record 856 field.
- 7. Will libraries have to allow downloading?
- No, this is a decision that each library will be allowed to make. OverDrive can disable downloading by a library's IP range(s). That way a patron can check out a title but go home to download that title.
- 8. If libraries allow downloading, will they need separate downloading stations?
- No. The digital audio and e–books can be downloaded on any PC or PDA with a USB connection that has Adobe Reader or MobiPocket Reader software for Ebooks, and any eAudiobook can be downloaded with media software.
- 9. How do we insure compatibility with download devices?
- We do not insure compatibility. OverDrive has a list on its Web page, http://www.overdrive.com/, of compatible devices. Go to that page and click on “Device Resource Center” under the “RESOURCES” drop down menu. To use the eBooks, patrons must be able to download the eBooks using Adobe Reader or MobiPocket Reader software. To use the eAudio, eMusic and eVideo, patrons must be able to download using media software. If a patron does not have access to a computer or PDA with this software available, they may download in their library if their library allows this type of downloading. AT THIS TIME, YOU CANNOT DOWNLOAD TO IPODS!
- (However, in March 2008, OverDrive released a statement that a handful of the publishers they work with will start providing a minimal number of titles in Summer 2008 that will be DRM-free and therefore will work on iPods. At this time, we do not know what titles this will effect.)
- 10. Do libraries provide a link to the OverDrive Web site for patrons to download titles?
- Yes, libraries should provide a link on their own Web site to the Ohio eBook Project Web site. You may also integrate the MARC records for the digital books into your library's catalog so patrons can have two access points. When patrons check out the digital books from the Ohio eBook Project Web site, they will need to input their valid library card number.
- 11. Will the State Library authenticate our patron database?
- No, authentication will be done through each library's patron database by OverDrive utilizing the SIP or SIP2 protocol.
- 12. Does the participating library have to have a Web site?
- Yes. You will need to place a link to the OEP web site on your web site and/or integrate the MARC records into your catalog and link to an OEP book through the catalog record.
- 13. Our school has MAC computers. Is this a problem?
- Yes and no. MAC computers can use the Adobe software to download and read the ebooks that are in the Adobe format. MAC computers CANNOT support the Mobipocket software or Mobipocket ebooks nor does it support the OverDrive Media Console that uses Windows Media Audio to play the digital audio books and music.
- (In March 2008, OverDrive released a statement that a handful of the publishers they work with will start providing a minimal number of titles in Summer 2008 that will be DRM-free and therefore will work on iPods. At this time, we do not know what titles this will effect.)
Partnership/Sharing:
- 1. How will this project be coordinated with the other OverDrive digital book projects that already exist?
- All Ohio libraries are invited to join the OEP. However, if a library already has an OverDrive contract and web site, there may be complications. Please contact project manager Rebecca Felkner at the State Library to discuss, rfelkner@sloma.state.oh.us. All libraries that join must agree to the same terms as all other member libraries.
- 2. If a library that already has an OverDrive digital collection joins the Ohio eBook Project, do they have to share their collection they already have?
- No. In fact that may not be possible based on existing contracts with OverDrive. Please contact project manager Rebecca Felkner at the State Library to discuss the issue. rfelkner@sloma.state.oh.us.
- 3. Can a cooperative borrowing agreement be arranged with libraries who are already OverDrive customers?
- Possibly. Currently the Southeastern Ohio Library Center (SEO) digital materials project does have a cooperative borrowing agreement with the Ohio eBook Project. Please speak to project manager Rebecca Felkner at the State Library. rfelkner@sloma.state.oh.us.
- 4. Would the Ohio eBook Project replace the ListenOhio Program?
- No. ListenOhio is an entirely different program. ListenOhio is strictly for audio books that are preloaded onto devices that ListenOhio lends to patrons. It is a program provided by the NOLA Regional Library System to their members.
- 5. Are colleges and schools included?
- Yes, if they agree to meet the terms of the letter of agreement.
- 6. How can a school district join? Would it be pay per school or pay per district?
- If all the libraries in one school district are on the same ILS, the district can join the consortium as one entity.
- 7. How do we share the digital books with other libraries? Can we share with other schools in our district?
- You will only share books with other libraries in the Ohio eBook Project. If your school district joins the OEP, then automatically, all the school libraries in your district are OEP members.
- 8. Will I have to do the downloading for someone who doesn't go to our school?
- If someone does not go to your school, they will not be able to use the OEP materials. A person must be a patron/student of a member library.
- 9. Will DASites be included in discussions and planning?
- Yes, DASites are being informed of the OEP progress.
- 10. Who will be on the members advisory council for this project? How will they be chosen? Is it open to librarians from libraries that are not project members?
- The State Library appointed the advisory council with input from OEP member libraries. Member libraries were asked to supply the name(s) of staff from their libraries that could be selected for the advisory council and other committees.
Tech Support & Training:
- 1. Will user support be handled locally or by the State Library?
- Each library is responsible for their own patron support. OverDrive's support team does provide secondary customer support to the library's technical or support team. In most cases, this support is provided by email.
- 2. What is the extent and nature of training?
- OverDrive provides web–based training via conference call (web & phone).
- OverDrive provides two classes, one on collection development and one for technical and front desk staff.
- The OEP web site will provide links to instruction sheets that detail how to download the digital books. You may copy the instruction sheets to give to your patrons.