New Downloadable Book Collection For Rural Nova Scotia

NOTE: A social media version of this release, with high-res, downloadable photos and audio clips is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2010-08-10-books/ .

Library users across the province can now borrow books online thanks to a new downloadable book collection.

The Nova Scotia Provincial Library invested $40,000 to set up the new collection for the province's rural regional library boards.

"The ability to download books from home will make it much easier for Nova Scotians to enjoy reading and learning," said Education Minister Marilyn More. "Anyone with a public library card can access the new collection, and the audio books are of great value to library users who are blind and partially-sighted.

"HRM library users have been enjoying a downloadable collection since 2008, and making this service available provincewide supports our commitment to making life better for families in every region."

The start-up collection includes 646 audio-book titles and 378 e-book titles on more than 70 subjects, fiction and non-fiction. Titles are available for both adults and young people.

Audio books and e-books are valuable for people with print disabilities including vision loss, learning disabilities, or a disability that prevents them from physically holding a book.

In addition, the Provincial Library has invested in more than 200 French-language titles for the start-up collection.

Library users can read or listen to the books on their home computers, laptops or handheld devices. The online collection works much the same way as a traditional library. If the title is borrowed, a library user can place a hold on it and be notified when the book has been returned. Unlike traditional borrowing, returns are automatic, so there is no concern about late fees.

All rural regional library boards will collectively invest $38,000 annually for new titles that will be added to the collection on a regular basis. The number of titles is expected to double by this time next year.

"The new downloadable collection is a great addition to our online services because titles are now be available 24/7," said Eric Stackhouse, chief librarian of the Pictou Antigonish Regional Library. "It is exciting for the entire province."

The downloadable book collection is available at http://digitalmedia.library.ns.ca .

Nova Scotia has more than 300,000 active library users.