Here are answers to many frequently asked questions about the statewide eContent platforms, Kansas EZ Library, and NEKLS accreditation and eContent purchasing. We will update this information as it changes. The State Library of Kansas has also put together a list of answers to common questions about Kansas EZ Library.

Answers to questions about NEKLS Libraries’ participation in Kansas EZ Library can be found on the eContent Participation Recommendations page.

What is Kansas EZ Library? 

This is the “brand name” for the statewide  e-content service that will initially include two separate services:

1. Downloadable audiobooks provided by Recorded Books (also known as OneClick Digital, the Recorded Books digital audiobooks trademark). Extensive information about OneClick Digital is provided in a post by Sharon Moreland on the NEKLS blog.
2. eBooks provided by the 3M Cloud Library service.

Both services will be available through the Kansas EZ Library portal.

When will these services actually be available?

OneClick Digital is now operational. Visit the Kansas EZ Library portal to access OneClick Digital.

The 3M Cloud Library service is currently available on devices that can download the app from the Android or Apple App stores.   Compatible devices include Android smartphones (like the Droid), Android tablets and iPads/iPhones/iPod Touch.  The ability to download an eBook to your computer is coming in late January 2012.

I thought there was going to be a beta test of 3M Cloud Library. 

The first release of 3M Cloud Library will be in beta form. That means that you will probably encounter some bugs in the system that will be improved in later releases but the beta release will be a fully functional system, not a test.

Will the content that is in the Kansas OverDrive collection be available in Kansas EZ Library? 

A large proportion but not all of that content will be available in Kansas EZ Library. All content from publishers that have authorized the transfer will be available. The State Library is already beginning to purchase additional content for the collection. Recorded Books has an extensive content in their collection due to their prior work in providing audiobooks in nondigital forms, and 3M has participation from over 40 publishers so far, including HarperCollins, IPG, and Random House.

As of January 6, 2012, the State Library reports that 8,169 audiobooks will be moved to the Recorded Books platform (63 percent) and 1,986 eBooks will be moved to the 3M platform (69 percent).

How will content in EZ Library be selected?

A statewide collection development committee will be developing collection guidelines. That committee will include four representatives from NEKLS libraries. One priority for NEKLS will be provision of sufficient copies of high demand items to meet patron requests. More information about the NEKLS selection process can be found on the eContent Participation Recommendations page.

How will a user gain access to e-content?

Libraries may use their library catalog or other password protected site to provide access using the local library card number and password (PIN number). We will provide that access on the NExpress catalog. The patron will need to log into NExpress and click on a link to go the OneClick Digital log-in site. Libraries that are not NExpress participants may either set up this procedure on their local catalog (or other library log-in such as a database EZ-Proxy server) or have their patrons use the Kansas Library Card to log in.  Initially, patrons will need to use their Kansas Library Card to access the 3M Cloud Library.   In the future, the 3M Cloud Library may offer a “Cloud-ID” feature that will permit access with local library card numbers and PIN numbers.

Will circulation data for a library’s local users be available?

As of now, neither service will provide that data. I hope that this regrettable shortcoming will be corrected, and I know that the importance of this has been communicated to both Recorded Books and 3M.

Will the 3M Cloud Library service be compatible with the Kindle  e-reader?

3M is in discussions with Amazon with the intent of providing this compatibility but it will not be available for some time. The 3M service will be compatible with PCs, Macs, iPads, iPod Touch and iPhones, Nooks and Android operating systems.

What are the options for e-books in addition to the Kansas EZ Library?

If a library wishes to provide its own individual local e-book service other than 3M, possible providers include OverDrive, Baker & Taylor Axis 360, or a locally managed Adobe e-content server. All of those option have pros and cons. I have been asked whether NEKLS libraries should maintain a separate regional service other than Kansas EZ Library. At this time NEKLS will fully support Kansas EZ Library while remaining open to other options.