Texas State Libraries and Archives Commission (TSLAC) Launches a “New Statewide Initiative to Bring E-Books to Texans Through Libraries” Using SimplyE App

From a Texas State Libraries and Archives Commission (TSLAC) Blog Post by Mark Smith, TSLAC Director:

I am excited to announce the launch of E-Read Texas, a new statewide initiative to bring E-books to Texans through libraries, starting with small community libraries in all parts of the state.

The E-Read Texas program will provide e-book content via an easy-to-use platform that will allow readers to simultaneously see TSLAC content alongside any provided by their local libraries.

TSLAC has signed an agreement with Amigos Library Services to implement SimplyE, an open source e-book application, in small community libraries across the state, starting with those using the Biblionix Apollo integrated library system. In July and August, Amigos will work with those libraries to make the application available to their customers. In September, TSLAC will make e-books available to libraries and readers across Texas. Any library that has enabled the SimplyE application will be able to easily offer E-Read Texas content alongside whatever e-books they are currently offering through other providers.

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With the E-Read Texas project, TSLAC will become one of about five state libraries nationally to use the SimplyE application to facilitate statewide access to e-book content. E-Read Texas will be a multi-phased project with an ultimate goal of wide adoption of the SimplyE application in all types of Texas libraries to access an ever-growing library of E-book materials.

Beginning in September, the E-Read Texas collection will offer adult leisure reading e-books from the Digital Public Library of America’s Exchange program that can be accessed using the SimplyE application. TSLAC does not plan to purchase bestsellers, but the collection will be chosen to include titles that will be popular with patrons, with enough copies to keep hold lists short.

Learn More, Read the Complete Blog Post

Updates/Comments/Additional Info

• Texas State Library and Archives Commission Announces “E-Read Texas” Electronic Books (via Readers First)

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