OverDrive appears to have established the format of how to distribute eBooks in a public library environment. To oversimplify their business model, OverDrive is essentially the digital middle man between publishers and libraries. Think of them as the library iTunes of the eBook world; libraries who use OverDrive can offer their patrons access to an
Different distribution models are being pursued in the eBook app market. Oyster, a brand new eBook app, is using a subscription-based model similar to Netflix or Spotify; the Oyster user pays a monthly subscription ($10 per month), which enables the user to download and read as many eBooks as they desire. Exploration and discovery
Evernote, the company famous for its elephant logo and apps that let you make notes, save them, and then take or access them digitally almost anywhere, has been seeking to expand its reach. In its quest to become as ubiquitous as the mobile technology we carry, Evernote has been targeting niche markets with specialized versions of its popular application. For foodies looking to hang on to recipes and meal photos, there is Evernote Food. For readers, there is an Evernote Clearly app that promises a distraction free reading experience. Of interest to us is their networking application for professionals on the go – the newly revamped Evernote Hello.
Continue Reading Review: Meet, Greet, & Remember with Evernote Hello
New companies and new technologies are reinforcing a culture of sharing resources, according to James Surowiecki in his article “Uber Alles” (New Yorker, Sept. 16 2013). Surowiecki takes the perspective of the U.S. marketplace, an environment that historically has run on a buy-to-own mindset from its consumers. Newer companies, observing how mobile technologies
At the end of October, the law librarian’s most trusty resource for conducting federal legislative histories, THOMAS, will be sunsetted. I know many of you will miss its html-table, multi-hyperlinked design, the digital tic-tac-toe board of our country’s legislation. But, rather than having to crack open a hard copy volume of the United States Code Congressional and Administration News and stain its pages with your tears, you will be proud to know THOMAS will be replaced by the clearly superior congress.gov. We have to congratulate our Federal Government: the new site has successfully incorporated dynamic design and an easily navigable, logical layout.
Continue Reading Review: Congress.gov > THOMAS
Times and technology may change often, but old habits seldom do. We often come across articles and items that catch our eye, but not at the most convenient of time. Setting something aside to read later is a second nature activity for most of us busy professionals. Back in the old days, we cut out
And so this is it… Doomsday. The day Google Reader died. RSS fans, though often touted as a dying breed, had come to know and love this simple, straightforward newsreader. Word of its demise set the blogosphere abuzz earlier this year. Some users were broken-hearted. Others resigned to find a suitable replacement. And still some
Lexis Advance has been named the winner of the 2013 SIIA CODie Award for Best Legal Information Solution. Rising above some stiff competition, the company’s new single search platform was chosen for its “intuitive, visual interface, sophisticated browse-functionality and pre- and post-search filters so that users of all experience levels can easily personalize, analyze
When you need help getting something done, finding reliable assistance can be a real problem. You can ask family and friends. But how many of us have been let down by the well-intentioned? You can hire through a professional services provider. But that can be expensive. Yes, you can also post something on a basic
As a foodie and home chef, I am almost ashamed to say that I have stopped buying cookbooks. I used to love and treasure them. But with so many recipes available online these days, it almost seems a waste to spend the money. Of course, some are indispensable and I have my favorites with which