Let's look at eBooks, the latest consumer learning curve in the evolving tech spiral. Our local public library, through our cooperative library system, can supply eBook content when you visit our web page: rosendalelibrary.org and click on the HomeAccess button. When you use your unique library card number to create your account, that allows you to place holds on eBook and audiobook titles of interest powered by Overdrive. If needed, stop by the Rosendale Library for a free instructional handout "Enjoy eBooks on your eBook Reader" which shows the steps to take to (1) INSTALL software, (2) AUTHORIZE software, (3) VISIT your library's virtual branch, and (4) TRANSFER to eBook reader. Also, check out a streamlined Project Gutenberg through Overdrive for a fascinating site with eBook content that is in the public domain.

Aside from the hands-on side of eBooks, industry wide publishing, small publishers and lending libraries are currently grappling with the trade-offs inherent in this new delivery medium where various legal, social and financial issues are at stake. For an excellent overview see NYTimes article (12-24-2011) by Randall Stross "Publishers vs Libraries: An E-Book Tug of War", regarding the shake-out of these unresolved questions, the process underway especially surrounding the lending of popular titles, and possible acceptable resolutions for all parties.

As we've seen in the last 30 years in the digital world, change is the inevitable constant. The only thing we know doesn't change is the human search, and even hunger, for knowledge and understanding. I like the following quote from library consultant and futurist, Joan Frye Williams, about the underlying, unchanging purpose of libraries: "Saying that there's a challenge to libraries because books are changing would be like saying there's a challenge to family dinner because plates are changing."

Wendy Alexander, Director Rosendale Library