Comments for Alyson's Welsh libraries blog

Comment on Come on make some noise (in libraries) by Jane Daniels

Jane Daniels — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:39:04 +0000

I know it’s a bit old hat now but back in 2009 I suggested that we work with audio book/large print suppliers to raise awareness of the availability of these formats in Welsh public libraries.
I think a meeting was convened in 2010 with the interested parties but as far as I know this wasn’t pursued further. Any point in resurrecting the idea as a national marketing initiative?
It seems to tick all the boxes with regard to partnering and outreach.
It would be great, for instance, if we could ensure that health facilities and opticians are aware of audio book and large print formats as well as eBooks. If any authorities are already doing this type of outreach perhaps they could share their experiences.

Comment on Come on make some noise (in libraries) by alysontyler

alysontyler — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:03:28 +0000

Yes, that was entirely my point – that the accessibility functions on mobile devices are opening up reading choices for blind and visually impaired people, which is a good thing.

Comment on Come on make some noise (in libraries) by alysontyler

alysontyler — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:02:39 +0000

Thanks for your comments on the Wales e-book service Karl. I take your point about DRM and I know it is an issue. I don’t know how many blind or visually impaired people own Kindles compared to other mobile devices, and it is unfortunate. Currently there is little libraries can do to change this.

Comment on Come on make some noise (in libraries) by Karl Drinkwater

Karl Drinkwater — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:22:17 +0000

PS I realise your comment was meant to refer to the fact that some e-book software and readers have accessibility benefits e.g. text-to-speech, contrast and magnification. It’s a valid point, as long as you can get the books onto the device you own!

Comment on Come on make some noise (in libraries) by Karl Drinkwater

Karl Drinkwater — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:32:05 +0000

“As an aside, the Wales e-books service in public libraries is a great way to promote an example of an accessible library service.”

However, I think that at least 60% of e-book readers are Kindles, and the Wales e-books service isn’t usable on them (purely because of the DRM built in to the Wales e-books service – otherwise the e-books could be loaded on to a Kindle with no problems via Calibre). I realise that this is a publisher-driven restriction and there aren’t many alternatives, so am not criticising the scheme on that grounds – the fact that the e-books can be downloaded to Android et al is quite cool. It just struck me that if c.60% of the prime audience can’t use something then it isn’t very accessible.

Comment on So what does a library development adviser actually do? by Karl Drinkwater

Karl Drinkwater — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:22:57 +0000

That’s a good idea. I did this in my previous job, http://blog.rsc-wales.ac.uk/2010/05/25/a-month-in-the-life-of/ which kickstarted a few other staff to do this as well. As a result the people we helped (and staff in the team!) got a better idea of what everyone did. In my current job I set up a series of posts introducing staff for similar reasons (I am number 3, though it isn’t in any rank order necessarily!) http://aberssel.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/meet%20your%20librarian

Comment on Independent Sieghart review of e-lending in public libraries published by alysontyler

alysontyler — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:55:05 +0000

Dear Graham, many thanks for your comments and views on the Welsh e-books service and I’m glad that on the whole it’s a good service for you. I will pass on the specific comments to the team who manage the service. It may be possible for them to look at the loan period, although, as you will have realised from reading the blog post, there are many publishers who are afraid of loaning to libraries and so the choice of stock is rather limited. As a result, if people kept the books for longer it may mean there are fewer titles available for people to borrow. However, I will pass your views on. Regarding the multi-user licence, I’m afraid the libraries are unable to do this because of the regulations set down by the publishers who specify one book/one user. If there’s a popular title the Welsh team buy multiple copies so that there’s not a long waiting list. The libraries hope that the publishers not currently lending will see that far from being negative, the e-book service can encourage people to read more, like yourself. Once again, many thanks for providing your views and I’m glad you enjoy the service. Alyson.

Comment on Independent Sieghart review of e-lending in public libraries published by Graham Davies

Graham Davies — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:53:57 +0000

I have fairly recently started using the ebook wales service. My main comment is that it is an excellent offering – a really fantastically good idea and means that I am definitely reading more and using the library service more. My gripes that I hope will be taken as constructive criticism: 1. Could the loan period be extended to at let 4 weeks? A couple of my books have run out, and because it is so easy to reserve online, they are rarely available for extension. 2. A multi user licence should surely be available for each book? I agree with the idea that perhaps ebooks should be available for a set number of loans and then a new version has to be purchchased from the publisher. Great service though!

Comment on So what does a library development adviser actually do? by alysontyler

alysontyler — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:53:31 +0000

I agree – maybe I should think about guest posts from other library staff?

Comment on So what does a library development adviser actually do? by Karl Drinkwater

Karl Drinkwater — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:52:57 +0000

Always interesting to see what other people do.