den 16 maj 2003
 Pressrelease from Open eBook Forum: Open eBook Forum Announces Library Special Interest Group and Survey – Group Formed to Address Opportunities of Burgeoning Library eBook Market and to Conduct Comprehensive eBook Usage in Libraries Survey
New York, New York, May 20, 2003 – The Open eBook Forum (www.openebook.org),
the trade and standards association for the eBook industry, today announced the creation of a Library Special Interest Group (SIG). The group was formed to enable publishers, eBook resellers, DRM, software and hardware companies to communicate directly with librarians to better appreciate the opportunities and challenges of service for libraries and their patrons. The group meets on a weekly basis via conference calls and maintains communication
through an email list. Participation in the group is currently open to the public and further information can be found on the Open eBook Forum (OeBF) website at: The group is chaired by Pamela Smith, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Baker &
Taylor and Loree Potash, Marketing Director at OverDrive. Initial members of the group represent some of the following companies and organizations: ABC-CLIO, Adobe, American Library Association, Blackwell’s, eBrary, Gale, HarperCollins, Howard County Library, netLibrary a division of OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Library System of Lancaster County, University of Rochester Library, Fictionwise.com, Simon & Schuster, North Carolina State University Libraries, Follett, Mind Like Water, Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenberg County, University of Chicago Press, California Digital Library, Queens Borough Public Library among others. “One of the most promising things about the SIG is that we have a place, early on in the
incorporation of the eBook business models being introduced into libraries, to address any issues that could possibly stand in the way of eBooks being successful in libraries,” stated Pamela Smith, co-chair of the Library SIG. “There are a lot of questions and newly discovered business problems and it’s terrific so many of the concerned parties can come together and work through them.” “Library interest in eBooks as an important new service for their readers is high, and
adoption rates are growing rapidly. The Library SIG provides a forum where librarians can engage in discussions with both publishers and technology companies, and should help all three communities better understand each other's needs and concerns. In forming the SIG, the OeBF has made an important step in helping libraries and the industry move into the eBook era,” said Rick Weingarten, Director, Office for Information Technology Policy at the American Library Association. In addition, the OeBF, in conjunction with the American Library Association (ALA), is
developing a comprehensive survey called eBook Usage in Libraries. One of the first goals of the Library SIG will be to develop the survey methodology, oversee the distribution of the survey and analyze and publish the results. The OeBF has engaged Chartula, a consulting firm specializing in ePublishing and eLearning research, to assist the Library SIG with the survey. Initial sponsors of the survey include OverDrive, Baker & Taylor, Adobe, Greenwood Publishing Group, Microsoft and Palm Digital Media. Details on survey sponsorships can be found on the OeBF website at: Robin Bryan, from the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County and a
member of the survey sub-committee said, “There isn’t a lot of research out there on eBook usage and acceptance in public libraries. The survey the OEBF is developing in conjunction with the ALA is not duplicating any previous efforts, in fact it will really expand what information is out there and help us learn a tremendous amount about public opinion and approval.” Another added benefit of the Library SIG, according to Robin Bryan is the opportunity to
talk with and learn from other librarians about their various attempts to introduce eBooks. “It’s a great way to gauge where we are, versus where we’ve been, versus where we’re going. This group has terrific potential to make significant advances on how eBooks are accepted and used in our libraries.” More information about the Library SIG and how to participate can be found on the
OeBF website at http://www.openebook.org/oebf_groups/library.htm About the OeBF
The Open eBook Forum, www.openebook.org, is an international non-profit trade and
standards organization for the electronic book publishing industry. Gold Sponsoring Members include technology leaders Microsoft Corporation, Adobe
Systems, Palm Digital Media and OverDrive, Inc. A complete OeBF member list and membership information can be found on the OeBF
website at www.openebook.org -- 4:47:10 PM 
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2003
Åke Nygren
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Last update: 2003-11-05; 22:51:25 .
Last update: 2003-11-05; 22:51:25 .
