Axis 360 expands ebook offerings

Axis 360, offered through Baker & Taylor book distributor, is a great resource for readers of ebooks. Patrons can log in at http://hmcpl.axis360.baker-taylor.com; they need their library card number and PIN to access this free service.

Ebooks can be checked out in ePub/PDF format and through Adobe Digital Editions to a Nook, Nook Color, Sony or Kobo (as in the library’s Digital Media Zone), or in the Blio format, which loads straight to the Blio reader. The Blio reader is free and can be installed on laptops, PCs (but not Macs), or any tablet or smartphone device, including iPhones and iPads.

There is not a Kindle format available, so patrons with Kindle Ereaders cannot access these books. However, anyone with a Kindle Fire can install the Blio app on the device and check out ebooks.

To create a Blio account and download the software, go to http://www.meetblio.com/. If patrons have not created a Blio account before they check out an item, they will be prompted to do so at the time of check-out. Here is a short video about Blio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc4_uR_yzzM

Patrons may check out up to five titles at a time. Check-outs range from one day to 14 – patron’s choice. Patrons also can create wish lists to save for later or place titles on hold. With the Blio app, patrons have the choice to buy the title directly, and some of the profit goes to the library for more Axis 360 content.