Ocean State Libraries is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $6000 grant to purchase E-Zone Digital download materials. The grant was awarded by the RI Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) using federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds managed by the agency.
The grant provided funds to purchase four E-Zone Download Stations. An E-Zone Download Station enables library users to download best-selling audio books directly to an mp3 player, iPod, iPad or Zune. This service is an extension of the Ocean State Libraries’ E-Zone Downloadable Media site. Previously, patrons needed a home computer with high-speed internet access in order to use the E-Zone. The Download stations were deployed at Cranston Public Library, North Providence Union Free Library, North Kingstown Free Library and Newport Public Library.
Grant funds were used also to purchase nearly 400 ebooks in the popular EPUB format. This format is compatible with many ebook devices such as Sony Readers, Barnes & Noble Nook and Borders Kobo.
“With the installation of E-Zone Download Stations in four of our largest libraries, RI’s mobile patrons now can have immediate access to their favorite audiobooks and music right from the library. We are thrilled that this grant has allowed us to expand the number of libraries offering this service to nine. Because of this grant, we have boosted our overall downloadable collection by more than 5%! Use of our downloadable media collection is increasing each year at a tremendous pace. We anticipate that within 5 years, RI patrons will download more than 500,000 books, music or video annually,” stated Lisa Davis, Assistant Director, OSL.
For more information please contact Lisa Davis at 401.738.2200.
