Using ARPA Library Funds to acquire perpetual, simultaneous-use eBooks
All of us are still reeling from the trauma of the past year. As things seemingly get back to normal, libraries are included in the economic packages to get the economy moving again. Helping libraries get valuable digital resources to a population in flux is an amazing use of these funds, but the challenge libraries are facing is how to spend this money and reap the long-term benefits.
Amidst the announcement, there has been a great deal of confusion and negotiation to align complex library eBook business models with the allocated funds. This seems unnecessary when so many publishers have agreed to work with libraries on terms they have been asking for for years.
There is no simpler way to unlock the value of those funds than to purchase content to be delivered on the BiblioBoard and SimplyE platforms.
?We have tens of thousands of eBooks available from top publishers and work with several states to power statewide programs. Libraries who buy eBooks from us can do so perpetually and in a simultaneous-use access model for patrons. This will ensure any dollars spent by a library today will benefit all of your patrons forever with no additional purchasing triggers or pay-per-download fees.
To see the work we’re doing with our statewide partner’s visit: https://createsharediscover.com/statewide-partners/
Collection Development Support
Libraries can build custom collections based on their strategy and goals. We also offer several turn-key eBook programs with EDI & Foreign Language Collections, school-at-home collections, comics & graphic novels, and more. And we can have your branded platform up and running in just a short period of time after making your selections. With our geolocation reporting and analytics we also offer libraries unique data around where your digital materials have the most impact.
Our Indie Author Project Select collection and our new BookLife Elite collection (in partnership with Publishers Weekly) can also be purchased on OverDrive, DPLA Exchange, and cloudLibrary in a perpetual, simultaneous-use access model. This ensures that every library will have access to high-quality eBooks that are protected against future subscription price increases on the mainstream commercial eBook platforms.
To find out more about how to ensure you use your ARPA funds for long-term benefit to your patrons please contact Roy Serrao at [email protected] or reach out to me directly at [email protected].