Ebook Subscription Services: Scribd Launches Redesigned iOS and Android Apps, Also Now Available For Windows Mobile

News from Scribd today that they have just released a new version of their ebook reading app for iOS and Android.
Scribd is an all you can read ebook subscription service that offers more than 400,000 books including titles from HarperCollins (majority of backlist), Simon & Schuster (most of their backlist), Wiley, and many others) for $8..99/month. Books can be read online or downloaded for offline access.
Also, unlike library ebook services, all books are available to all subscribers at all times.
Scribd is one of the two leading players (besides Amazon’s Kindle Owners’ Lending Library) in the ebook subscription space (Oyster being the other). By the way, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Amazon increasing their presence in this space before the end of 2014 or beginning of 2015.
So, what’s new today from Scribd?

• A redesigned book page that includes in-depth descriptions, reader reviews, and related book

• Seamless book-to-book browsing

• Streamlined management of your Library – tap the new “+” sign on books to instantly save them to your device, add them to your library, or add them to a collection

Scribd also just announced an access to their service via Windows mobile devices. A free, three-month trial is available.
Scribd’s servivce is now available on six platforms (Web, Mobile Web, Kindle Fire, iOS, Android, Windows Mobile).
Browse the Current Scribd Collection of Titles
We’ve shared our feelings about these subscription services and the library community many times during the past couple of years. You can take a look at a recent commentary at the bottom of this post.

In Other Ebook Subscription Services News…

1. In case you missed it, last week the AP ran a story about Scribd and Oyster. Worth noting that the story contained no info about library ebook services. The word “library” is mentioned in the story but does nothing to point to library ebook services. In fact, it might confuse potential users.

Just don’t think it’ll be the same as walking into a library and finding just about any book you want.

Of course, unlike library books and library ebooks Scribd and Oyster makes all books available at all times.
2. Yesterday, Epic, one of several ebook subscription services for kids books ($5/m0nth for unlimited access), announced they now provide access to ebooks from National Geographic Kids and Andrews McMeel

Filed under: Libraries, Management and Leadership, News, Patrons and Users