Currently, SAPL’s digital media collection is relatively small when compared to their physical collection. However, their digital collection provides insight as to how digital libraries will become useful resources for a number of patrons. One of the greatest advantages to the digital library collection is that as the site mentions you can “Download Audio Books, eBooks, Music and Video titles to your PC or portable device 24/7, anytime, anywhere!”
The process of “checking out” materials is fairly simple and is similar to purchasing a book online. First, patrons can browse the collection or perform a search if a specific item is in mind. Browsing is broken down into two main sections: Collection & Format (each of the categories are further broken down into subcategories). If a patron wants more information on an item, he/she can click on it for a description and details.
Often there is publication information, a description of the plot/subject, an excerpt, lending information, and digital rights information. Two items that may need further explanation are lending information and digital rights information. Just like any other material in the library, digital materials can only be checked out if there is a copy available, so the lending information provides details about how many copies the library has, how many copies are available for checkout, how long the checkout period is, and some information about the files. If the material is available, a patron can add it to his/her cart; if the material is unavailable, it can be placed on hold.
Once a patron has materials in his/her cart, he/she can proceed to checkout. The patron will be prompted for his/her library card number. After that, the patron can view his/her bookshelf and see the checked out materials. In order to download and view the materials on the computer, special software has to be downloaded once from Overdrive and/or Adobe (see images below). Then the patron can go back to the bookshelf and download which items and/or parts of items he/she would like to experience. Using Overdrive, a patron can view checkouts, and/or choose to play them using Windows Media Player.
Going back, it is important to discuss digital rights information. Digital rights information provides information about how a title can be used or what can be done with it. For example, some of the materials allow patrons to burn the material on CD or transfer the material to a portable device.
Some questions that I had when I first started exploring the library's digital collection dealt with copyright and licensing. I wasn’t sure how the library would be able to allow materials to be downloaded; how could they exert control to stay within their legal boundaries. It appears that SAPL is doing this through the use of the special software that must be downloaded before materials can be viewed. Overdrive keeps track of the lending period, and when materials expire they are no longer accessible. According to the borrowing help section under “Read Digital Media FAQ,” items cannot be renewed or returned early because of publisher licensing agreements, but materials can be checked out again if they are available.
Overall, SAPL’s website and catalog are pretty basic, but SAPL’s thinking is progressive. They have provided a great resource for the library system and its patrons. I’m not going as far as saying that the digital library will completely replace the physical collections; however, it cannot be denied that this is a wonderful resource with great potential.
No comments:
Post a Comment