The Massachusetts Library System and Baker & Taylor have partnered on a pilot project designed to expand access to e-books throughout the state's libraries. In the six-month e-book project, Baker & Taylor will assist MLS in establishing a shared, statewide collection of e-books, in which an initial group of 51 participating libraries will access more than 3,000 general interest titles through Baker & Taylor's Axis 360 digital media platform.
“We are proud to partner with the Massachusetts Library System to provide the e-book download platform for this important resource sharing endeavor,” said George Coe, president of Baker & Taylor’s library & education division. “Hundreds of libraries have found Axis 360 to be a convenient and comprehensive tool for managing their digital collections and enhancing their offerings to patrons. We expect Massachusetts libraries will have the same experience. We look forward to lending our expertise to this project and to working closely with our partners at MLS and participating libraries.”
The platform will allow librarygoers the ability to borrow and download e-books directly to their devices. It is also integrated with Blio.
“Massachusetts libraries feel strongly that statewide, ongoing access is critical for some e-books,” said Greg Pronevitz, executive director of the Massachusetts Library System. “Our agreement to purchase content licenses from Baker & Taylor and use their state-of-the-art platforms for acquisitions and circulation will provide access to all member libraries' patrons. Baker & Taylor will work with the Massachusetts Library System to promote ongoing access.”
The program will operate with an eye toward expanding the scope of the shared collection from 51 libraries to the nearly 1,700 public, school and academic libraries throughout the state.
