kindlespartapubliclibrary The Kindle is a library-friendly machine not—since you can’t use your books on more than one device, unless the same account is involved. And even then, catches abound. But that hasn’t stopped the public library in well-off Sparta, New Jersey, 50 miles from NYC.

It’s bought two Kindles, as reported by Library Journal to lend to patrons (thanks, Mike Cane). The first downloaded book is on the house, the library system; patrons must pay for extra downloads.

At least patrons will be able to benefit from the books already downloaded by other library users. Meanwhile LJ says: “After posting a notice, ‘May we Kindle your interest?’ the library soon gained 22 reserves for the device, which are to be loaned for a week” (started December 13).

Libraries, the Kindle and The F Word

That said, I hope that public librarians and others will be tigers on e-book format and DRM issues, lest they indulging in massive purchases of Kindles—only to lose convenient access to content in Amazon’s proprietary Kindle format if the machines die. Not to mention other risks.

Can anyone spell G-e-m-s-t-a-r? Actually Sparta has tried e-book readers before. So maybe some past lessons will help. In terms of big buys, just say no to Jeff and friends unless they get really serious about .epub for the Kindle—and also commit to the IDPF‘s plans for interoperable DRM.

It isn’t just the tech details that libraries should be worried about, but also grubby matters such as terms of service. Just what to make of this gem in the TOS? “…display such Digital Content…solely for your personal, non-commercial use.” And that’s the abbreviated version of the legalese. Does Amazon consider library use to be “personal”? Or has it granted Sparta an exemption?

Winking an eye—with the library market in mind?

Perhaps Jeff Bezos and friends have major ambitions for the library market and will just wink an eye at the doings in Sparta. Even so, it wouldn’t be such a a bad idea for the Sparta librarians to check in with Mary Minot, a library law specialist who enjoys her Kindle but is concerned about the legal ramifications and has also taken an interest in format matters.

Also see Kindle-related thoughts from Karen Schneider, a library tech expert, who, like Mary and me, doesn’t want fair use to die off. “If the Kindle’s DRM model becomes standard,” Karen has written, “you can kiss libraries goodbye.”

Not the only library buying the Kindle

In Wisconsin, Rochelle tells me her library in La Crosse has a Kindle on order, and that at least one other system in the state has or has gotten the K machine. As with the Sony Reader, a little experimentation is great. But let’s not overdo it. Variants of the open OLPC machine, with the right software, might be a better way for libraries to go in many cases.

Yes, the XO has wireless and could be one inducement for more cities to experiment with muni-WiFi—well, assuming that OLPC is smart enough to see the domestic possibilities and can design library-optimized versions.

Other news:

  • Could OCLC‘s NetLibrary, whose interface and selection disappoint many a public library patron, be in for some major changes for the better? OCLC, NetLibrary’s owner, has hired Andrew Pace, an e-book booster with a healthy interest in such issues as format standards. His new job will be director of Networked Library Services, according to LJ. Also of possible significance is OCLC’s hiring of Cindy Cunningham, an Amazon alum, from Corbis? She’ll be director of partner programs? At Amazon, she was U.S. catalog librarian/program manager. Might some Amazon-OCLC deals be ahead in the future?
  • DearAuthor is fed up with “fly-by-night” small e-presses and will no longer be dropping by their sites and buying their books to check out. Good move, Jane. When the TeleBlog spots a great newcomer like Drollerie Press, which you also like, we’ll happily write about it. But why spend so much time looking for winners amid sites that look as if third-graders threw them together? Jane’s commenters seem to agree.
  • Speaking of good little e-publishers, congratulations to TeleBlog regular Rob Preece of BooksForABook on the Eppie success of his author Kristina O’Donnelly, whose historical novel (Korinna) has made it to the finals.

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6 COMMENTS

  1. Thanks for the nod, David. Actually, I’m sorry to see Dear Jane giving up on new small presses. Since BooksForABuck.com isn’t new, I guess this doesn’t apply to us but small presses are critical for literature. I’m one of the few publishers interested in hardboiled mysteries these days. Why? Because hardboiled is traditionally a male-oriented subgenre and big publisher “know” men don’t read. I find that the big publishers are always chasing the latest big thing–whether it’s chick-lit (five years ago they couldn’t get enough, now they can’t stand it) sexy sexist vampires, or whatever. Small publishers publish what they like–and are more likely to take on an author who doesn’t fit current fads.

    Rob Preece
    Publisher, http://www.BooksForABuck.com

  2. Hey, Rob—not to worry in the least! I discovered you several years ago when you were much newer. And I’m still eager to talk up other promising small presses, just as Jane is. What she’s saying, among other things, is that she expects at least a minimal level of competence from the start. She’s no longer spending so much time surfing through dreck. That’s reasonable. Via mentions she runs across from delighted authors and readers, she’ll still learn of the winners. Happiest of holidays, and again congrats on your Eppie finalist! David

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