Skip to main content

Massachusetts to Launch State-Wide Digital Library

2386363316_c4a4022a7e[1]The state of Massachusetts is looking to get into ebooks in a big way.

Last week the Massachusetts Library System put out an RFP (request for proposal) for a new statewide library ebook program. They’re asking for ebook vendors and tech companies to submit proposals for a pilot program that will encompass 50 different libraries across the state.

The proposals need to include details on both the content as well asĀ  info on "technical integration, training and support, collection development tools". This pilot will launch in June 2013 and if successful it will be expanded to include all MLS members that choose to participate.

Their membership rolls list 1,700 libraries in a state with a population of 6.6 million. That means that if a significant number of MLS members sign up after the pilot is expanded then this would be one of the larger digital library programs in the US, if not the world. I doubt that the MLS program will support a larger population than the NYPL, which currently supports 3.5 million NYC residents, or the Los Angeles Public Library, which serves a population of four million, just to name a couple examples, but this digital library could still end up with a broad population to support.

source, source

image by Muffet

Similar Articles


Comments


Massachusetts Launches Statewide Digital Library Pilot – The Digital Reader November 26, 2013 um 7:14 pm

[…] Massachusetts SLS has been working towards this pilot for about 8 months now, having posted an RFP in March. In addition to developing a platform for libraries to check out ebooks en masse, the MA eBook […]


One more step toward national digital libraries? Massachusetts launches statewide digital library pilot | LibraryCity November 26, 2013 um 9:48 pm

[…] Massachusetts SLS has been working towards this pilot for about 8 months now, having posted an RFP in March. In addition to developing a platform for libraries to check out ebooks en masse, the MA eBook […]


Write a Comment