eBook Updates, pricing and trends

Based on an annual study from Follett and School Library Journal, we can see that the percent of school libraries offering eBooks has plateaued, although the size of the collections continues to grow:

Perhaps this is due to the disparity in pricing and availability, which while better than a few years ago, is still an issue for libraries.  Based on work pioneered at Douglas County Public Library, we looked at comparable prices for this year’s Abe Lincoln award nominees:

The above chart basically shows that a librarian could buy roughly 20 (21) hardcovers OR 40 paperbacks OR 18 ebooks for the same money ($320 to $325). That amount is roughly double the cost that an individual would spend on Amazon ($172) to buy the same eBooks or, again, roughly double the cost of buying one paperback copy ($161) of each title.  Prices are as of June 2016.  Perhaps we will see some movement in the future as more consolidations occur.  This past spring, Follett purchased Baker & Taylor and last year, OverDrive announced it was being acquired.

Do you have an interesting way to promote eBooks?  Let us know.  Interested in etextbooks use of digital content in schools? Check out this joint report from ASCD and OverDrive, published in April 2016.

Summer reading options

Time to start thinking about summer reading … there are tons of lists of great titles – old and new – plus the choice of technology. Of course, we are encouraging teachers and students to grab print copies or to select eBooks from Follett (Winnetka or Northfield) or OverDrive as we have offered in the past. Other places to look for eBooks include the Daily Deal offered by amazon’s Kindle or perhaps choose from the list of Vintage Shorts. And do not forget the many options for all ages available through the local public libraries.

There are a couple of other programs worth attention, too. In case you are interested in listening to audiobooks for free this summer (or even during the next school year), please check out the program at: http://www.audiobooksync.com/   These titles (YA Lit and a classic) are available in pairs and change every Thursday morning. I just downloaded a free audio book in a few minutes and my understanding is that these MP3 files are the user’s to keep BUT the download period is limited to a specific week. Note, for example, that both Monster and Lord of the Flies are available during week 8 (June 25^th to July 2^nd).
 

As mentioned, we support the OverDrive app since we offer a number of eBooks through New Trier’s Library, AND local public librarians would also be familiar with the technology and be able to help. More directions for download prep are available on the sync site.   Plus, (helpful for teachers who are parents, too) they will send you to a literacytoolkit with links for reading lists ACROSS the K-12 spectrum, including ones for high school and adult titles for high school students.   

Students who are interested in combining reading with some writing should consider participating in the 6th Annual New York Times Summer Reading Contest.  Every Friday from June 12 through August 14, they will pose the same question: "What interested you most in The Times this week?"  According to the Learning Network, anyone 13 to 19 years old from anywhere in the world can post an answer, and contestants can choose any Times article, essay, video, interactive or photograph published n 2015, on any topic they like.  If chosen your response will be posted on the blog. 

HEY, LIBRARIANS and other avid readers: Are you looking forward to Fall and Winter previews? Buzz Books is offering another free download with a big (33 excerpts) selection of both Fiction and Non-Fiction titles for adults and high school students. Plus, there is a special YA Fiction set (20 titles) available with excerpts of upcoming titles from James Dashner, Patrick Ness, and Jennifer E. Smith to name just a few.  These collections from Buzz Books keep getting better and better, even offering links to request the full text. They encourage you to experiment by sampling work from debut authors and a variety of publishers. It is a source for ideas on many books that are reviewed at our Book Talk blog. Be sure to enjoy the summer and keep reading!!!

Have any other summer reading ideas to recommend?  Please let us know!