Just one month after it launched ebooks and eaudiobooks for library users South Ayrshire Council has picked up an international award for its new ebooks service.
The Council was named the 'Outside the Library' category winner of US digital media service OverDrive's 2010 'Outreach Program Contest', which encourages libraries to promote their download service inside and outside the library.
Around 200 ebooks are available from South Ayrshire's website as full text electronic versions of published titles or as audiobooks, these are downloadable publications that you can read or listen to on a home computer, laptop, mobile phone, ebook reader, iPod, iPhone, MP3 player or burn to CD, giving you access to your favourite reads anytime and anywhere.
The Council's innovative launch campaign included the launch and a photo opportunity at Prestwick International Airport, radio coverage, outdoor advertising, 'T' shirts announcing the new service media coverage in local and national publications.
Councillor Margaret Toner, Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio Holder said: "This is a terrific accolade for the new service that our libraries are delivering, which is proving very popular with library users.
"We were up against strong competition and beat almost 40 libraries around the world to take the top spot. All of the entries were judged on the creativity of the campaign as well as its effectiveness in reaching new users.
"We are the first Scottish Council to offer free ebooks and we are working hard to harness modern technology to deliver the best possible service to our library users. The enthusiastic and innovative way that the library team approached designing and implementing the ebooks service shows what a dedicated team they are.
"The prize for winning this international award is $1000, approximately £633, to enhance its ebooks stock bringing even more choice to our readers.
"I would encourage everyone to try an ebook all you need is a computer, an internet connection, a valid South Ayrshire library card which is available to anyone living or working in South Ayrshire and a PIN. There are books to suit adults and children with a wide range of fiction and non-fiction."
Up to four titles can be borrowed at any one time for up to 21 days and they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the South Ayrshire libraries website. All you have to do is browse the titles, check out the one you want, download it and then enjoy.
If the book you want is checked out by another user, you can add it to your wish list and you will receive an email when it becomes available. Information is included with each title to explain the compatible formats on which it will play.
OverDrive provides world-class infrastructure for distributing premium digital content. The company enables libraries to provide a digital service to their users.