There are many choices out there but my library decided to focus on the following three: iLibrary by Ingram, Axis 360 by Baker and Taylor, and 3M Cloud Library by 3M. We currently have OverDrive, so the three new platforms were compared to it. At the end of this post I will include resources I used to help evaluate the platforms and the report I sent of why RCPL should choose 3M. The report was made in July.
How to get ahold of platform vendors:
You can always try their website. Like most websites vendors have a "Contact Us" page or sometimes a form to fill out. A complication I did not expect was how hard it would be to contact 3M. When I filled out the contact form I received an e-mail stating that my form did not reach them. I followed the link from my e-mail and it just looped back to the form that didn't work.
You can always try their website. Like most websites vendors have a "Contact Us" page or sometimes a form to fill out. A complication I did not expect was how hard it would be to contact 3M. When I filled out the contact form I received an e-mail stating that my form did not reach them. I followed the link from my e-mail and it just looped back to the form that didn't work.
Networking is another great way to reach vendors. I contacted a person on LinkedIn that responded to posts in several library groups. By networking to him about 3M, I had a regional representative from 3M Cloud Library contact me within days. Don't forgot to network and ask other libraries their opinions on platform vendors. Those libraries that already have the platform know the daily tips and headaches.
What I've learned from dealing with vendors:
I've found the staff at platform vendors to be very helpful and willing to answer all my questions. If you have never dealt with platform vendors there is no need. Platform vendor companies would not choose people who aren't friendly, because then they wouldn't make as many sales. And though the sales reps are personable, they are still trying to make a sale. So when it comes down to it, selecting a vendor comes down to what the library needs, not the person who is your rep.
Several changes since my report in July:
Penguin joined Random House, bringing the big six down to the big five. OverDrive has gone through several strong changes: there is now a clear agreement with Penguin Random House and MacMillan, meaning there are a LOT more high demand publications available; and with OverDrive One, patrons can switch from one device to another by creating an account.
Several changes since my report in July:
Penguin joined Random House, bringing the big six down to the big five. OverDrive has gone through several strong changes: there is now a clear agreement with Penguin Random House and MacMillan, meaning there are a LOT more high demand publications available; and with OverDrive One, patrons can switch from one device to another by creating an account.
My draft report for why RCPL should choose 3M Cloud Library:
The following statistics were gathered by reviewing the Material Request folders for eBooks that were not available at time of request. The percentage is not 100% as some items were found when I did a search after the publication date, that was not available during request. Anything that was not found with all three platforms was removed from the list. The list totals 60 titles or authors during a time period of March through July of this year. Of 60 items, OverDrive had 15 items or 25%. Baker & Taylor’s Axis 360 had 27 items or 45%. And the clear winner was 3M Cloud Library with 44 items out of 60 items or 75%.
It’s clear to see that if we add another platform vendor that we will be able to add more titles that our patrons would want, including those found on the New York Times Best Sellers list. I propose that we look into opening a second platform with 3M as they have all six major publishers (Penguin, Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan). 3M is able to easily download eBooks using only one app and does not require an Adobe ID (making our patrons create an account outside of their library card). Since this is a “cloud” library, a patron can start reading on their phone then pick it up on their computer, tablet, or eReader device- without losing their spot. Since 3M gives ownership of titles to us (pending publisher approval) we are able to transfer the eBooks to another platform. We are also able to create a download station at the library, regardless if patrons have Wi-Fi or internet at home, so everyone will be able to come into the library and download some eBooks. A download station is something that OverDrive will not allow us to do without spending thousands of dollars. Plus, with our Sony eReaders, patrons would be able to easily download- and perhaps we could have an extension of this for the homebound patrons (with eBooks preloaded). Some authors that we are missing right now that 3M has: J.R. Ward, Robert B. Parker, Stephen King, Charlaine Harris, J.D. Robb, John Green, Lori Armstrong, Ann Rule, and more.
Pros
All 6 major publishers
1 app for all devices to download
Cloud- stop and pick up from another device where you left off
We own items- can transfer to another platform
Download station
Log into app once, no need to keep re-entering your library card number.
Cons
No Audiobooks (in the works)
Not many picture books (talking to publishers)
No Amazon/Kindle books (works with KindleFire, Amazon has an agreement with OverDrive)
3M’s Cloud Library explained: http://3m-ssd.implex.net/cloudapps/.
Resources:
ALA TechSource- Report for comparison. This resource is nice but since technology of platforms change so quickly, it is best to directly contact vendors.
