June 19, 2013

BiblioBoard Achieving Fast Adoption in Library Markets

Bibliolabs

Platform closes gaps in library patron media experience

After providing the first demos for librarians at ALA in January and officially launching in late March, BiblioBoard is being quickly being adopted by academic, public and K-12 libraries across the globe. Early adopters of the technology include academic and research libraries such as the British Library, University of Pittsburgh, and Wake Forest, as well as independent colleges, US public library systems and K-12 schools.

"We are overwhelmed by the positive reaction to this product across all segments," said BiblioLabs founder and Chief Business Officer Mitchell Davis. "We are seeing much faster institutional adoption than we expected on such a new product. From large academics and publics, to smaller institutions and schools it is clear the market has been waiting for an ecosystem to create a high-fidelity digital library experience like the one we have created with BiblioBoard. In markets that tend to be very cautious we have created excitement very quickly, which makes us want to work even harder."

BiblioBoard Library is a platform that allows libraries to offer tens of thousands of eBooks and primary source materials (books, images, manuscripts, letters, audio, video and more) to their patrons. "Our product approach aligns closely with the "Readers First" movement. We have built a library platform that delivers content with the simplicity and elegance that library patrons have come to expect from companies like Amazon, Apple and others. It is fun and educational for just about anyone. This is something that has been a long time coming," added Davis. Covering a wide range of topics including Literature, Philosophy, History, Geography and Science, BiblioBoard Library contains 'multimedia Anthologies' from a growing number of universities, national libraries, cultural institutions, museums and leading historians.

"As one of the world's great research libraries we're constantly looking at new ways to open up our collections and effectively offer users a high-quality, digital library experience," said Simon Bell, Head of Partnerships for the British Library. "By offering BiblioBoard Library to users of the British Library Reading Rooms, we are able to offer them our own curated digital content, as well as content curated by other topic experts, in a convenient, scalable and user-friendly format."

Similarly, Kelvin Watson at Queens Library in New York City is focused on the long-term development of a new public-library patron experience. "We are a large public library system and a leader in library innovation. We want a premier digital user experience for our customers. Our patrons deserve a simple, engaging media experience that works across their various devices. Other specs include eliminating multiuser limits, checkouts and returns, and minimizing friction for our customers. We are working with BiblioBoard toward our goals of providing desirable content in a customer-friendly tech environment."

Patrons can access BiblioBoard Library through their library's Website or synch with award-winning native Apps on the device of their choice, including the iPad(r), iPad mini(r), Kindle Fire(r), NookHD, Galaxy 8(r) or Nexus(r).

BiblioBoard Creator is also turning many of these same institutions into 21st century publishers. "Our publishing tools let any cultural institution create robust, elegant tablet and Web products without software developers or technical expense. By creating and sharing localized content collections, these institutions contribute to the ecosystem and sustainably add their voice to this fantastic base of knowledge we are distributing worldwide," says Davis.

BiblioBoard is now available to libraries with an annual subscription. In addition to the core product, libraries can subscribe to specialized modules featuring content curated by partner institutions. To learn more, visit www.biblioboard.com or add BiblioLabs to your ALA agenda today, booth #126.

About BiblioLabs, LLC

BiblioBoard was created by BiblioLabs, LLC, a hybrid software-media company that created a multimedia authoring tool which enables curators and subject matter experts to discover, enhance and create new works from the wealth of licensed, open source and public domain materials available within their core database. BiblioLabs works with leading organizations around the world to create widespread commercial access to rare and interesting materials in an innovative way. To learn more about BiblioBoard, visit www.BiblioBoard.com.

About the British Library

The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world's greatest research libraries. It provides world-class information services to the academic, business, research and scientific communities and offers unparalleled access to the world's largest and most comprehensive research collection. The Library's collection has developed over 250 years and exceeds 150 million separate items representing every age of written civilisation. It includes: books, journals, manuscripts, maps, stamps, music, patents, newspapers and sound recordings in all written and spoken languages. www.bl.uk and follow @britishlibrary.

About Queens Library

Queens Library is an independent, not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with any other library. With 62 locations, Queens Library serves a population of 2.3 million in one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the U.S. and has among the highest circulations of any public library system in the world. For more information about programs, services, locations, events and news, visit the Queens Library website at www.queenslibrary.org or phone 718-990-0700. Queens Library. Enrich Your Life.(r)

Media Contact

For more information, contact:

Carolyn Morris, VP Digital Products

morrisc@bibliolabs.com