November 9, 2017, Atlanta, GA – LYRASIS and DPLA are proud to announce a partnership to pilot a new eContent delivery and management service for libraries. The new initiative will offer cloud-based hosting of Library Simplified, an open source, middleware solution and administrative tool for libraries used to merge content from multiple sources, add open content, manage and curate collections and make them available in SimplyE. SimplyE is the open source iOS and Android app that provides robust multi-library discovery and reading capabilities. With the launch of this service, libraries can now acquire eContent in the DPLA Exchange (exchange.dp.la), manage and merge it with other content through the hosted Library Simplified administrative interface, then deliver to users in SimplyE. Together these services offer, for the first time, the possibility of a seamless and fully library-based delivery platform for licensed and open eContent
LYRASIS will provide multi-tenant hosting services and other technology support for the Library Simplified middleware solution created by the New York Public Library (NYPL). Library Simplified is integrated with both the DPLA Exchange, where libraries can acquire open and licensed ebooks and the SimplyE app on the frontend to allow patrons to discover and use the eBooks.
For LYRASIS, the partnership is a continuation of their commitment to serving their library members and all libraries from across the country. By providing hosted solutions for Library Simplified, LYRASIS will enable libraries without the administrative capacity or technical ability to still participate in the program and enjoy access to the DPLA Exchange and to make their collections discoverable in SimplyE. In addition, LYRASIS will assist libraries to integrate their collections into their instances of Library Simplified in order to create the most comprehensive discovery experience for the collection of eBooks and other eContent.
Robert Miller, CEO of LYRASIS, says of the partnership, “I’m excited about this new program because it gets to the core of our mission by putting the control of content right into the hands of libraries, specifically public libraries. LYRASIS brings strong technical, logistical, backend support to complement the great aggregation of content that DPLA is creating through the DPLA Exchange. This is an important partnership because by bringing LYRASIS and DPLA together, we can deliver a truly unique and important service for public libraries.”
Michele Kimpton, Interim Executive Director of DPLA, is quoted “LYRASIS is a trusted not for profit partner in the library community, so I am thrilled we can partner together to bring libraries an open source, community supported option for managing econtent”.
Kendall F. Wiggin, State Librarian of Connecticut, commented “As we move forward to create a statewide eBook platform in Connecticut this new program eliminates many of the challenges of a statewide implementation of SimplyE. Through this partnership with LYRASIS and DPLA we are able to pilot a unique solution built by libraries, for libraries and using open source software. This will give us and the libraries in Connecticut the opportunity to deliver more open content to complement their licensed content, and it offers the library patron an easier to use and more seamless experience when selecting books from various content portals.”
LYRASIS and DPLA will begin hosting pilot instances of Library Simplified this month, and the wider service will be made available in the new year.
About LYRASIS
LYRASIS is a non-profit membership organization that supports enduring access to shared academic, scientific and cultural heritage through leadership in open technologies, content services, digital solutions and collaboration with archives, libraries, museums and knowledge communities worldwide.
About the Digital Public Library of America
The Digital Public Library of America empowers people to learn, grow, and contribute to a diverse and better-functioning society. We do this by maximizing public access to our shared history, culture, and knowledge. DPLA connects people to the riches held within America’s libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. The Digital Public Library of America is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Boston