Open eBook Forum Launches Literacy Campaign

Posted on November 23, 2001

``Open an eBook...Discover New Worlds of Reading'' is the name of a campaign recently announced by the Open eBook Forum (OeBF) board of directors and membership. Joining in this campaign are ebook technology vendors, publishers, authors, libraries and educators. The Open eBook Forum is an international trade and standards organization for development of the ebook industry.

Key messages of the Open an eBook campaign program include advancing literacy, increasing access to more people with print disabilities, encouraging reading programs for education and expanding the joy of reading. Programs under the campaign include the announcement of a free ebookstore for young readers, new initiatives being developed and launched by the OeBF Education Committee and the OeBF eBook Industy Special Interest Group, and many ongoing ebook programs promoted by OeBF Members.

``The Open an eBook Campaign is a multi-year education effort sponsored by the OeBF to promote the value of eBooks to readers worldwide,'' stated OeBF President Steve Potash. ``One of the goals of the project is to provide publishers, teachers, and libraries around the world the tools they need to permit readers to `Open an eBook' and see how easy it is to enjoy the benefits,'' Potash added.

``Ebooks provide persons with print disabilities an unprecedented opportunity to gain access to books at the same time as the mainstream reading population,'' according to George Kerscher, OeBF Chairman and a member of the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. ``Just like recordings, ebooks provide tools for all people who cannot effectively read standard print because of a visual, perceptual or other physical disability. ebooks enable those with disabilities to complete their education, advance their careers, and expand their enjoyment of reading,'' Kerscher added.

Publishers, libraries, schools, educators and ebook technology companies are encouraged to join the Campaign, which will be united by the ``Open an eBook'' brand. The campaign, which was made a priority by the OeBF Board of Directors, will officially launch to the public during January 2002. The Open an eBook website will be the main vehicle for distribution of information about the campaign, and will include public announcements, campaign updates, downloadable logos and other tools, as well as opportunities to share information and provide feedback.