OverDrive enabling publishers to grow book sales by leveraging open industry standards

 

NEW YORK — March 7, 2016 – OverDrive, the industry-leading eBook and audiobook platform for libraries and schools is leading the market by selling to tens of thousands of libraries and schools enhanced eBooks that can be read on all mobile devices without installing an app.  Since 2014, sales of Read-Along eBooks – EPUB3 eBooks utilizing professionally narrated audio synced to text  – has skyrocketed in school and library catalogs.  OverDrive is the only digital library and school platform that offers thousands of Read-Alongs and EPUB3 rich graphic novels, children’s titles, cookbooks, and more based on enhancements from the IDPF EPUB3 open standard.

OverDrive’s innovative technologies will be featured at booth #300 at Digital Book World in New York City, March 7-9. Publishers can learn how to make their eBooks come alive with OverDrive Read using EPUB3 and HTML5 technology that supports:

  • Synched audio and text by professional voice actors, the same as audiobooks. This feature is highly beneficial for those learning to read, readers with vision problems, English language learners, or reluctant readers.
  • Interactivity: HTML5 and EPUB formats now permit educators to incorporate quizzes, gamification, and engagement through eBooks.
  • Rich and complex page layout. Unlike reflowable text eBooks, fixed page layout titles supported by EPUB3 provide a rich and faithful reproduction of the print elements that may contain numerous or complex graphical elements. Children’s books with colorful pictures, textbooks with graphs and charts, or graphic novels are displayed precisely as the print using EPUB3 with fixed-layout.
  • Multimedia: EPUB3 and HTML5 both enable incorporating multimedia elements in an eBook to make it come alive. Video, animations and sound can be embedded in eBook formats to create an immersive experience for digital readers.

The OverDrive platform reaches a multichannel network of 34,000 libraries, schools and retailers worldwide, with millions of readers discovering and engaging with digital content on a comprehensive, easy-to-use website or app. In addition, the company works closely with publishers for a direct-to-consumer approach, connecting digital titles with readers and buyers. OverDrive’s industry-leading global catalog offers content in 50 languages from more than 5,000 publishers and over 3.3 million titles.

 

About OverDrive
OverDrive is the leading digital distribution platform, supplying the industry’s largest catalog of eBooks, audiobooks, streaming video and periodicals to 34,000 libraries, schools and retailers worldwide. We support all major computers and devices, including iOS®, Android™, Chromebook™ and Kindle® (U.S. only). OverDrive delivers all digital media on a single platform, and offers innovations such as OverDrive Read, the breakthrough EPUB and HTML5 browser-based reading experience, and Read-Along eBooks.  Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA and is owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten. For more information, visit www.overdrive.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and our blog.

Contact:

David Burleigh,

Director of Marketing & Communications

dburleigh@overdrive.com

216-573-6886 ext. 218

 

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