Atlanta, GA – March 17, 2020 – The Washington State Library has selected LYRASIS to begin deployment of a statewide, e-book platform, SimplyE, to be available to all citizens in Washington.
“The State Library aims through this partnership to create a robust, library-centric e-book management solution that gives all citizens access to a shared repository of e-books from publishers who offer better library lending solutions, like perpetual access and lower costs per circulation,” said State Librarian Cindy Aden. “We are aiming to see SimplyE in place in our first pilot libraries by late spring.”
Robert Miller, CEO of LYRASIS, says of the new partnership, “We are thrilled to be working with the Washington State Library to help the public libraries of Washington increase circulation and improve access to their e-books for users across the state. LYRASIS works closely with members and users across the globe to develop and deliver solutions such as SimplyE that support the goals and missions of libraries, archives, museums and research organizations worldwide.”
LYRASIS is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit technology and service organizations serving archives, libraries and museums. SimplyE is an open source, community supported e-book management software program, initially developed by The New York Public Library (NYPL) with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). SimplyE was developed to help libraries manage and take control of their e-book collections, boost circulation and improve access to books to encourage reading and literacy.
SimplyE gives users one-click access to their library’s e-book catalog through a mobile app, simplifying a user’s ability to securely and privately connect with their library. It also streamlines all electronic content offered by their libraries, including e-books, pdfs and audiobooks – all in one place. Libraries benefit from the library-centered e-books management, as well as the opportunity to boost circulation with curated recommendations, engage the community by publicizing events and initiatives in the app, and protect user privacy by not ceding patron data to large, for-profit vendors.
By choosing LYRASIS, the Washington State Library gains a partner that is a nonprofit leader in open source technologies and is home to a team of SimplyE and hosting experts. As part of an ongoing partnership with both NYPL, the original developers of SimplyE, and the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), home to the DPLA Exchange (a wide catalog of open and licensed content for SimplyE), LYRASIS has already deployed statewide SimplyE hosting in Connecticut, Maryland, and Montana.
About LYRASIS
LYRASIS, a not-for-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 libraries, museums, and archives supports enduring access to its 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 Washington State Library
The Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, is committed to connecting Washington through the power of libraries. It builds prosperous and informed communities by providing technology, access to information, resources, and professional support to librarians and/or citizens across the state. The Library also works hard to collect, preserve and make accessible materials on the government, history, culture and natural resources of the state. Finally, through its branch services, the library supports the information needs of residents in state institutions and those who cannot read standard print.