May 22, 2013

Connecticut House of Representatives Unanimously Passes Bill to Study Library Access to Ebooks, Legislation Now Moves to State Senate

House Bill 5614 (An Act Cocerning Ebooks and Libraries) passes Connecticut House of Representatives. Bill now heads to Senate. From the AP: The state House of Representatives voted Tuesday 143-0 to pass a bill requiring the commissioner of consumer protection to report to the General Assembly on the issue by Feb 1. The bill, which [...]

Nebraska: Columbus Library Board Rejects Challenge of Batman Graphic Novel

From the Columbus Telegram: The Columbus Public Library Board received its second materials challenge in five months and again rejected the protest. This time a patron objected to the book “Batman: The Killing Joke” by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. [Clip] It is currently located in the young adult area of the library, but cataloged [...]

Report: “Cengage CEO Seeking Restructuring, May File Bankruptcy”

Update May 14: More on This Story in a New Library Journal Article by Meredith Schwartz From Bloomberg: Cengage Learning Inc., the educational publisher owned by Apax Partners LLP, said it’s seeking to negotiate with creditors on a restructuring plan and may need to file bankruptcy as part of its turnaround efforts. “We will seek [...]

ALA Election Results: Young Wins President, Gonzalez Treasurer; Dues Measure Passes by Wide Margin

According to an ALA press release, “Young received 5,391 votes, while Immroth received 5,029 votes.” Meanwhile, a measure to allow ALA to increase dues in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) without explicit member approval also passed.

Hachette to Sell Frontlist Ebook Titles to Libraries

Hachette to Sell Frontlist Ebook Titles to Libraries

Hachette Book Group today announced that it will once again sell its frontlist ebook titles to libraries, beginning on May 8. Hachette’s entire catalog of 5,000 ebooks will now be available through OverDrive, Baker & Taylor’s Axis 360 platform, and the 3M Cloud Library, under a pricing and licensing model similar to the one employed by Random House.

Create Your Own Magazines with Flipboard | screencast tutorial

Create Your Own Magazines with Flipboard | screencast tutorial

Now anyone can create a beautiful digital zine of customized content, thanks to Flipboard. In a highly touted feature, version 2.0 of the iconic newsstand app allows users to select content they find on Flipboard to create magazines on any interest or topic. SLJ’s screencast shows you how to make your own publication in the image-rich format, add articles, and publish to the world or select subscribers.

MOOC Mania: Debunking the hype around massive open online courses

MOOC Mania: Debunking the hype around massive open online courses

The New York Times crowned 2012 as “The Year of the MOOC.” Journalist Audrey Watters trains a critical eye on the hottest trend in education and considers what it might mean for K-12 schools.

Publishing: Peter Workman, Founder of Workman Press, Has Died

Mr. Workman passed away on Sunday. He was 74. Here’s a roundup of coverage. Announcement from Workman Publishing Blog He was the founder, president and CEO of Workman Publishing Company, one of the largest independent publishers of nonfiction trade books and calendars. In addition to the Workman imprint, the company consists of Algonquin Books of [...]

Goodreads Acquisition Presents Opportunity for LibraryThing

Goodreads Acquisition Presents Opportunity for LibraryThing

Amazon’s recent acquisition of Goodreads will likely have a ripple effect on other social media sites targeted at book lovers, with LibraryThing and Bookish potentially drawing membership from any defectors unhappy with the sale. Meanwhile, many Kindle owners will be introduced to Goodreads for the first time, as the site’s social media functions are integrated with Kindle devices. “Goodreads was fully independent…. it made them the natural allies of people who wanted to avoid the consolidation of the industry, in particular publishers,” LibraryThing founder Tim Spalding told LJ.

Amazon.com Will Acquire Goodreads

Update 2: AllThingsD/WSJ: “Actually, Amazon Paid About $150 Million for Goodreads” According to sources, Amazon paid about $150 million for Goodreads, the popular books recommendation service. But that number could close in on $200 million, if certain performance metrics are met. Update: Read What Goodreads CEO, Otis Chandler Has to Say About the Amazon Acquisition [...]