OverDrive Announces Plans For Second “Big Library Read”

OverDrive has announced plans for their second Big Library Read.
This time around the program will run from September 16-September 30th. Participating libraries will be able to offer simultaneous access (no wait lists) to the the ebook and audiobook for the two week period.

At the end of the program, the title will be removed from your collection (unless previously purchased) and available for purchase in OverDrive s Marketplace should your library wish to offer continued access (both formats will be available for $4.99 USD each). If your library had already purchased the eBook version from HarperCollins, the title will be restored to its metered access model at that time.

The eBook/Audiobook

This time the Big Library Read book is a title for young readers.
The second Big Library Read ebook and audiobook will be Book 1 from the “Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth” series by Jane O’Connor and published by HarperCollins.

Why Do This?

From OverDrive:

During the Big Library Read program, OverDrive will measure title impressions, views, checkouts, and social media interaction to further its advocacy efforts for libraries in validating the unique and valuable role they play in connecting readers with books and authors. Aggregated data will not contain any personally identifiable information and will be shared with publishers, libraries, and library associations.

Learn More/Contact Info (via OverDrive)

The First Big Library Read

The first Big Library Read was announced in early May of this year and ran from May 15-June 1.
From a Library Journal Article (May 3, 2013):

“We want to demonstrate once and for all the enormous influence of the library demographic, and that when libraries put an ebook in their catalog it serves a valuable role in increasing exposure and engagement with an author’s work,” said Steve Potash, OverDrive’s CEO.

Some early results of the first Big Library Read were shared in this Digital Shift article by Matt Ennis.
We will have more to say about the Big Library Read in an upcoming post.

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