Specialized eBook tools exist to aid libraries in the eBook market. These tools allow a Library to manage checkouts and use time limited DRM to enforce expiration. Click if you were really looking for Personal Library management.

[edit] How it works

Many libraries have a web presence but require a locally obtained library card to use the web facilities to actually check out books. This reason is that the eBooks are purchased using local tax dollars. In some cases you can just download an eBook and keep it but most of the time you have to actually check it out. Many of the libraries use a DRM system with time limited licenses so you do not need to return the book to the library. Instead, it will just time out unless you check it out again. They generally own a limited number of licenses per book and manage them exactly like a real book. Once the number of licenses have been used by customers they won't let you check out a copy until someone else's license expires or is returned. The big advantage is that you can use your PDA or eBook Reader to read the book and after you have a library card you can do everything from your computer at home or anywhere that can access the Internet.

If your library doesn't support this feature you might want to tell them about this page where they can get the software to support it. Also see our page on eBook Lending Libraries for a list of some sites that do support this.

[edit] Formats

To date the eBook formats for these service providers are PDF, ePUB and MOBI although not all libraries support all formats. Nor are all eBooks from a given library available in all the formats it supports. Some providers have proprietary formats as well including special plugins for browsers. These are usually limited to on-line reading. Libraries may also support audio books or even music formats in WMA that supports time limited checkout. Unfortunately WMA with DRM support is usually limited to Windows players from Microsoft or the Zune portable device. Overdrive now has some support for MP3 audio books. These are generally loaned on an honor system.

Some libraries also support online viewing of certain eBooks using a browser. These are generally children's books and may include audio embedded with images.

[edit] Services are provided by:

• LibWise (a fictionwise company). They have tools to permit Libraries to do eBook checkouts. They support MOBI eBooks.
• Overdrive is the largest supplier of eBook tools to Libraries. Overdrive has tools for School libraries, publishers and retailers as well. They also have a digital media search engine that anyone can use to locate eBooks. They support PDF, ePUB, and MOBI formats. They also support audio books. For audio books they require their custom media player be used for the download. It is available for Windows and MacOS X.
• Library (an ebooks.com company) has similar features but they have a different licensing model using both online and offline lending. They focus on PDF files currently. They are also known as EBL.
• Tumblebooks provides readable books, some with audio read along for children. These are only available to schools and libraries although if your library or school supports this it can be used from home. The format of these books require a browser to work properly so they are not suitable for most portable readers. I do not believe there is DRM on these files. They have three different offerings: animated talking eBooks for young children, read-along-books featuring adjustable text and audio reading while highlighting the text, and pure streaming audio books (no checkout needed).
• Netlibrary provides eBook content for libraries in PDF format. They also have audio books.
• EBrary provides library support for eBooks that use their plugin for web browsers. Currently only Windows and Macs are supported. It can import PDF content.
• Scholastic BookFlix is a new online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks from Weston Woods with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning. Aimed at children from K-3 grade.