Digital Library Blog: DRM-free eBooks are now available to libraries

July 6th, 2011 Dan Stasiewski

For the past few months, OverDrive has been beta testing DRM-free eBook distribution in libraries. Today, we’re excited to announce that all OverDrive-powered libraries can now add DRM-free eBooks to their digital collections.
To coincide with the launch of this new functionality, we would also like to welcome new publishers who are providing DRM-free eBooks to libraries in OverDrive’s global network:

• AMG
• Bold Strokes Books
• Books to Go Now
• Carina Press
• Gideon Informatics
• Joe Konrath
• KBS
• Microsoft Press
• O’Reilly Media
• Rock Nook
• Romance Divine LLC
• Rosenfeld Media
• Sher Music
• Simonelli Editore
• TidBITS
• University Press of Colorado
• Wildside Press

All DRM-free eBooks are available under the one-copy/one-user model, which means you can add a copy to your collection and one user at a time can borrow the title from the library. Just like all other OverDrive-supplied content, the titles will be borrowed for a set amount of time and when that lending period is up, another user can check out the title.

While the DRM-free eBooks will initially appear as a separate format (e.g., Open EPUB eBook) in Content Reserve and on ‘Virtual Branch’ websites, that will change with upcoming OverDrive WIN platform enhancements.  The user experience changes that are are currently in development will streamline the format listings so that your library staff only sees “eBooks” (Open EPUB) when ordering titles and readers select “eBooks” for their specific devices.

If you’re interested in adding DRM-free eBooks from our publisher partners, contact your Account Specialist to get started.

*Title and publisher availability may vary due to geographic location.
Dan Stasiewski is public relations manager for OverDrive.