Library Science: UK Libraries Add Ebooks

With last week’s announcement of the Barnes & Noble Nook reader, the ebook reader wars have officially begun.  Between the booksellers’ efforts, Amazon’s Kindle, and other competitors, ebooks are fast moving away from early adopter status into the mainstream.  Granted, owning a reader still commands significant nerd cred, but with greater options and support, it’s becoming less niche. Looking to this trend, a number of smart libraries in the UK have started to lend ebooks in addition to their normal circulation.  Library patrons are able to remotely download books in library or at home for a 14 day period, after which the content is automatically deleted.  Unsurprisingly the public has reacted with crazy enthusiasm.  No overdue books, no fines, and lending at home? It’s dreamy enough to turn anyone into an Anglophile.

[via Engadget]