Sony and the Public Library

An interesting article came through one of our library mailing lists this morning.  It appears that Sony has stepped up their commitment to public library service and ebook borrowing.  Sony and OverDrive struck a deal about two years ago that paved the for this new Sony device, the PRS-T1.

The new Sony reader has a dedicated icon for accessing public library ebook services wirelessly.  The article here explains in more detail.  There's also information here in this article.  The idea is to support OverDrive's initiative with public libraries called the "Public Library Service".  It's a pretty plain-jane-looking site, but you put in your ZIP code, find the library near you for which you have a valid library card, and check out a book.

What an interesting time for libraries!  We may be hurting for money, but the opportunities are there to make some great leaps in service.