Ohio eBook Project
The State Library of Ohio invites all Ohio libraries to be part of the Ohio eBook Project. Launched in 2005, this statewide project allows libraries to provide digital books (including eBooks and eAudiobooks), eVideo and eMusic to library customers at a considerable savings.
The State Library of Ohio is contracted with OverDrive, Inc. to make this project a reality. OverDrive is a well-known digital materials provider to libraries throughout the country. The State Library assumed the project's start-up cost, purchases for the collection, and pays the monthly maintenance fee.
As of June 2008, over 12,449 unique library patrons have enjoyed the Ohio eBook Project holdings. The holdings include 6463 copies of 4505 individual titles of eAudiobooks, eBooks, eVideo, and eMusic.
In order to be included in this project, a library will be required to:
- Pay a $1,500.00 one time set–up fee.
- Be SIP/SIP2, Patron API, or RPA compliant; check with your ILS vendor. You may need to pay a fee to your vendor to become compliant.
- Pledge 1% of their print book, monograph and AV collection annual budget to building the Ohio eBook Project’s collection; not to exceed $15,000 per year nor fall below $500 per year.
- Agree that all digital materials will be added to the shared Ohio eBook Project collection.
- As part of the 1% pledged amount, pay a $1.50 fee for the MARC records for titles the library purchases that are not in the current Ohio eBook Project’s collection.
- Agree that any books they purchase for the Ohio eBook Project collection will remain in the collection in the event that library leaves the project.
The eBooks are downloadable in Adobe and Mobipocket Reader formats. The eAudiobooks, eVideo, and eMusic can be downloaded using the free Overdrive Media Console available on the Ohio eBook Project Web site http://ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com. Patrons will be able to download digital materials from the computers in their homes, offices, and at participating libraries that allow downloading. Note: The eAudiobooks, eVideo, and the Mobipocket eBooks cannot be used on Apple computer or Ipods.
If you are interested in participating in the Ohio eBook Project, please contact project leader Rebecca Felkner at the State Library of Ohio. She can be reached at Rebecca Felkner.