Former I.B.Tauris executive Paul Davighi strengthens local team to help libraries and schools maximize ebook success

 

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – 31 October 2018 – Rakuten OverDrive, the leading global digital reading platform for libraries and schools, has appointed Paul Davighi as its UK Country Manager. This newly created role establishes a new OverDrive presence in the UK to further the company’s commitment to working closely with and supporting UK institutions’ growth and success.

Based in London, Davighi leads the growing UK team to assist public libraries and schools in maximizing the circulation and efficiency of their ebook and digital audiobook collections. He also serves as the point of contact for libraries transitioning or growing their digital book services. Prior to joining OverDrive, Davighi was Sales and Marketing Director at I.B.Tauris Publishers and he brings his knowledge of the country’s publishing industry to his new role.

“UK libraries and schools have worked with OverDrive since 2007 and we’re excited to bring Paul’s expertise and experience to our local team,” said Claudia Weissman, Vice President, Global Libraries & Education at OverDrive. “Paul will help our UK partners meet the needs of their communities with ebook services and enhance their value in today’s digital world.”

Davighi added, “I am thrilled to be heading up OverDrive’s UK libraries and schools team and for the opportunity to promote their award-winning services to local institutions.”

In partnership with over 200 libraries and schools, OverDrive serves an estimated 60% of the UK population through the OverDrive platform with a strong list of British publishers in its catalogue. The company offers invaluable reading and learning resources to users of all ages and is a fervent supporter of early literacy programmes along with community-based organizations. For example, OverDrive is a partner to RNIB and Listening Books and supports Cityread London’s annual celebration of literature in the capital’s libraries. In addition, the company facilitates national and local library-centred book club initiatives.

Users of public libraries in the OverDrive network can borrow ebooks and audiobooks with Libby, the one-tap reading app named one of Google Play’s Best Apps of 2017. To learn more about OverDrive, visit https://company.overdrive.com/.

 

About Rakuten OverDrive

OverDrive is the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide. Named one of Google Play’s Best Apps of 2017, the award-winning Libby is the “one-tap reading app” for libraries. We are dedicated to “a world enlightened by reading” by delivering the industry’s largest catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and other digital media to a growing network of 40,000 libraries and schools in 70 countries. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA and owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten. www.overdrive.com

 

Contact:
Paul Davighi
UK Country Manager
pdavighi@overdrive.com

 

David Burleigh
Director of Brand & Communications
dburleigh@overdrive.com

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