From the State Library of Arkansas:
Patrons of 22 public libraries have a powerful new tool to gain access to e-books and audiobooks, thanks to the Arkansas State Library.
The Arkansas Digital Library Consortium is a collaboration between 22 public libraries and library systems to share e-books and audiobooks through the digital content platform, Overdrive.
The consortium was established by the Arkansas State Library.
“Member libraries will pool a portion of the money they usually spend on digital books to create a large, shared library of digital books,” said Katie Jones, acquisitions manager.
Patrons will have access to a larger number of books than their individual library would be able to afford alone.
“For example, a small rural library that might only have a budget of $2,000 for e-books will now have access to more than $125,000 worth of e-books by being a member of the consortium.”
The ADLC will focus on current bestsellers and other popular titles that appeal to a wide audience. Individual libraries can still choose to buy additional titles for their patrons. “Beyond the cost-saving benefits of more free e-books and audiobooks for patrons, collaboration among librarians will allow them to tap into the shared expertise of their colleagues,” Jones added.
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