November 19, 2015
Topic:  Eperiodicals
Note:
To see a visual comparison of Flipster/EBSCO, Zinio/Recorded Books and Overdrive's eperiodical options for JCLC, please view this spreadsheet.

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Theresa, Hoover
Terri, Vestavia Hills
David, BPL
Debbie, Leeds
Jon, Avondale
Laura, BPL Central

Most of the meeting was devoted to Fritz Schanz of Overdrive informing us of Overdrive Emagazine offering.  Overdrive has a true consortium model.  Currently, they handle CamillaNet in the state of Alabama, which is a consortium of a great number libraries of all sizes across the state.  

Most libraries have between 75-100 different titles with an average subscription price of $70 per magazine.  This seems to be an adequate amount for most libraries.  On Overdrive, there are simultaneous use but those uses are metered.  The lending limits are determined by each library.

Overdrive has had an ongoing partnership with Barnes & Noble for the past year.  The partnership allows Overdrive to use the Nook app platform for Emagazines.  (They do have USA Today and WSJ newspapers, too.)

One note:  Overdrive Nook app is not compatible with Windows 7, which is prevalent at BPL.  Also, there is no option, as with Epub books via Overdrive, to "read online".  All Emagazines are downloaded into the Nook app.

There is a text-to-speech option that could be very useful.  Patrons can manipulate the text size and, of course, see a full spread via the Nook app.

Overdrive is adding new subscriptions everyday and the Overdrive platform is a proven model throughout JCLC.  

All Eperiodical vendor offerings will be discussed by the JCLC Directors to see what model works best for the cooperative.  

To see a complete list of what periodical titles are available through Flipster (EBSCO), visit this website.  For an up-to-date listing of both Zinio (Recorded Books) and Overdrive, refer to these Excel spreadsheets:  Zinio and Overdrive.