New Sony Daily Edition eReaders and Public Library eBook Lending– 5 Frequently Asked Questions

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Why did Sony choose the New York Public Library as the venue to announce their latest eBook reader, the Sony Daily Edition? In addition to the 3G wireless device, the eBook store will now feature a Library Finder page where you can check out books from your library electronically. Sound too good to be true?

Here’s the top questions that are being asked:

I’m skeptical. How is this magic voodoo possible?
Don’t be afraid! The kind folks at Sony are no more magicians than your local librarian. Using a search engine called OverDrive, users can simply type in their zip code number, select a library and download any book that is currently available.

Wait, what do you mean “available”? You mean there’s a limited stock?
That’s right. In fact, it’s all very similar to standard library lending. Sony eBook Readers use the EPUB format, which means libraries will have a limited stock of each book they offer for download. So, say you wanted to download William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, but all five “copies” of the book have already been digitally “checked out.” You must wait until one of the five people returns the digital copy of the book; each loan has a 21-day limited. You can even put your name on a wait list to receive an e-mail when the book is available again.

So, does this mean I can borrow eBooks from any library in the country? Or better yet, in the world?
Nope, sorry. Once again, it works very similarly to traditional library lending. You have to have registered for an actual library card from the specific library you wish to borrow from in order for the transfer to work. At this point, the standard rules for getting a library card apply: You need to be able to prove you live in the area that the library serves. But, that’s not to deter you by any means. After all, it is National Library Card Sign-Up Month

How much does this new Daily Edition eReader cost and when will it, and this digital lending service, be available?
The new Daily Edition reportedly will cost $399 and be available just in time for this year’s holiday season. The eBook lending service, however, is being launched as we speak, with the New York Public Library’s collection having launched first.

Will my library be participating in this service? And, if so, what books will be available?
Thousands of libraries have already signed on for this innovative service. To find out if your public library offers digital book downloading, check out search.overdrive.com and select your country and state from the “Search Libraries By Name” menu. The nature of the selection will vary rapidly from library to library.

Have you already participated in this eBook lending service? We want to hear about it! Contact us on Twitter @AtYourLibrary or post on our Facebook Fan Page Wall.