HarperCollins To Sell PerfectBound Ebooks to Libraries

Posted on January 31, 2003

HarperCollins Publishers announced that it has finalized agreements with netLibrary and OverDrive to sell PerfectBound ebooks to libraries across the country, making it possible for libraries to lend them to their patrons. The OverDrive and netLibrary ebook management systems aim to make it simple for libraries to add ebooks to their collections, check ebooks out to patrons, and check them back in again automatically at the end of the loan period. The systems allow each ebook copy to be loaned to only one person at a time, in the same way that a print book is loaned.

The PerfectBound ebooks available to libraries include bestselling fiction and nonfiction titles such as Prey by Michael Crichton, Abraham by Bruce Feiler, The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot, The Essential Drucker by Peter F. Drucker, The Lives of the Muses by Francine Prose, and I'll Take You There by Joyce Carol Oates.

"The technology is now in place to expand our ebook sales to the library market, which we believe has enormous potential," said David Steinberger, President of Corporate Strategy and International for HarperCollins Publishers. "Many libraries have already been managing electronic collections for several years, and recognize the benefit of instantaneous remote access to a large selection of high-quality books for their patrons. In addition, we believe that libraries will play a critical role in educating readers about the benefits of this developing format. This deal represents another opportunity for us to serve our authors and market their books to the broadest possible audience in as many formats as possible, consistent with the strategy articulated by our President and CEO, Jane Friedman."