Glendale plans to launch ebook cloud system this week
Glendale will officially launch its new cloud-based borrowing system for ebooks at a public demonstration event on Thursday.
Glendale and Pasadena are among the few library systems in the nation to try out the new cloud-based technology for lending out ebooks. The cloud library — developed by 3M — is being tested by just 10 library systems in the nation, with the shared Glendale-Pasadena lending network the only one in California to be part of the program.
Unlike Glendale and Pasadena’s current digital reading platform, OverDrive, the ebooks on the 3M platform will be stored in a “cloud,” or an off-site data center. Patrons will access an Internet connection to download a book from the cloud, which is stored on their reading device for two weeks.
After the two-week period, the title automatically returns to the cloud. That means no more drop-offs or late fees. As the new system is built out and expanded to include more titles, it is expected to also cut down on the need for library staffers to refile returning hard copy books.
On Thursday, Glendale officials and 3M representatives will answer questions from the public and give iPad demonstrations. Patrons can also learn about other tech tools offered at the library, according to a city announcement issues today.
The 3M cloud library is compatible with PCs, Macs, Nooks, Androids and 3M eReaders.
The launch event will start at 12:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 222 E. Harvard St., with free samples from the Paradise Cookie & Ice Cream truck available for the first 300 visitors who hold a Glendale library card. The demonstrations start at 1 p.m.
Pasadena officials also plant to launch the cloud-based system on Thursday.
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—Jason Wells, Times Community News