Press Release: The Connecticut State Library Announces the First Phase of the Development of a Statewide Library Ebook Platform

HARTFORD, Conn. — August 9, 2016 — The Connecticut State Library has announced that the first phase of the development of a statewide library ebook platform (eGO) will begin with Library Connection, Inc. and the Ferguson Library.  This will involve the development of an ebook app for both iPhones and Android phones, that will enable library users to seamlessly access and read ebooks available from the local library as well as the developing statewide collection.  The Connecticut State Library has entered into a partnership with the New York Public Library to customize their SimplyE app for use in Connecticut.

Funding for this project was allotted by the State Bond Commission late last year.  The funds were appropriated by the General Assembly in response to a report by the Department of Consumer Protection which recommended, in light of the high cost libraries pay for ebooks, that the state develop its own ebook Platform.  Libraries often have several ebook platforms in order to provide a range of titles . The eGO app will bring all of the library’s ebooks into one easy-to-use ebook reader.  Ebooks available from the developing statewide collection will also be included, eliminating the need to search multiple locations and have multiple eBook apps. There are many different library management systems in Connecticut and the app will be customized for each system in phases.

In addition to the ebook app, the State Library is partnering with New York Public Library, and other libraries around the country, to develop an open ebook platform to host a wide range of ebooks.  Through its partnership with NYPL and as part of the Open Ebooks project, thousands of popular and award-winning titles will be available free for children from in-need households in Connecticut.

“The Ferguson Library has offered ebooks since 2002.  But it has never been easy for our users,” said  president of The Ferguson Library, Alice Knapp.  “That is why we are so excited to be working with the Connecticut State Library and the New York Public Library in a pilot for the eGO app, which will bring all of our e-Material together for easy discovery and even easier reading and/or listening.”

“Library Connection is very pleased to be working with the Connecticut State Library and the New York Public Library to pilot the eGO app for Connecticut libraries,” said George Christian, Executive Director of Library Connection, Inc.  “We believe this app will give patrons of our libraries an easy way to simultaneously discover all the eBooks that are available to them from our consortium’s shared collection, from the State Library’s One Click Digital collection, and from the collections at their home libraries that are restricted to their own patrons.”

About LCI:  Library Connection is a non-profit cooperative of 30 public and academic libraries which share an integrated library system (CONNECT) and other technological innovations that improve the delivery of services. Library Connection and CONNECT are the successors to CircCess, which was started in 1979 by approximately 10 libraries in the greater Hartford region. CircCess was one of the first groups to combine the collections of public and academic libraries on the same automated library system. Visit the LCI website at libraryconnection.info/about.shtml

About the Ferguson Library: The Ferguson Library is Stamford’s public library system, consisting of the Main Library DiMattia Building, the Harry Bennett Branch, the Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch, the South End Branch and a traveling Bookmobile.  It provides free and equal access to information, ideas, books and technology to educate and enrich the Stamford community.  For more information visit www.fergusonlibrary.org

About the Connecticut State Library: The Connecticut State Library is an Executive Branch agency of the State of Connecticut. The State Library provides a variety of library information, archival, public records, museum, and administrative services to citizens of Connecticut, as well as the employees and officials of all three branches of State government. The Connecticut State Archives and the Museum of Connecticut History are components of the State Library. Visit the State Library at museumofcthistory.org/  | twitter.com/LibraryofCT | facebook.com/CTStateLibrary | ctstatelibrary.org/ flickr.com/photos/ctarchives/