I first heard of Espresso Book Machines (EBMs) a few months ago when Michigan State University introduced theirs. For some reason I didn't think much of it until I more recently stumbled upon an article in American Libraries online. On March 7, Brooklyn Public Library's Central branch unveiled their own EBM in order to "[join] several dozen universities, public libraries, and bookstores around the world in offering the technology to their clientele." (Goldberg, 2012). So what exactly is an EBM, what do they do, and what's the big deal?
The Espresso Book Machine, manufactured by On Demand Books, prints books on demand in paperback form. Still a fairly new technology, the first ever EBM was installed just 5 years ago at New York Public Library's Science, Industry and Business Library (PRWEB). According to On Demand Books, "...[their] technology is intended to distribute virtually every book ever published, in any language, anywhere on earth, as easily, quickly, and cheaply as e-mail." (2012). Being able to print in any language is a huge benefit to libraries or institutions that serve diverse, non-English speaking populations. Another perk associated with EBMs is the ability to self-publish. Anyone can publish their work quickly and cost effectively with these machines.
While EBM benefits are many, there are also a few issues, cost being one. Several EBMs have been implemented in independent bookstores and academic libraries where funds may be less of an issue, but what about public libraries and other institutions with limited funding? In the case of Brooklyn Public Library, "the library and On Demand struck a deal in which the firm would install and operate the EBM at no cost to BPL, and charge patrons for printing out a book" (Goldberg, 2012). So it seems there may in fact be hope for the budget conscious library.
Looking to experience EBMs first hand? Locations in Michigan include Michigan State University's Library in East Lansing, University of Michigan's Library in Ann Arbor and Schuler Books in Grand Rapids. More information on Espresso Book Machines can be found here.
Goldberg, B. (2012). Books on demand technology comes to brooklyn public library. American Libraries. Retrieved from http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/news/03072012/books-demand-comes-brooklyn-public-library?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AmericanLibrariesMagazine+%28American+Libraries+Magazine+Top+News%29
PRWEB. (2007, June 21). First espresso book machine installed and demonstrated at new york public library’s science, industry and business library. Retrieved from http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/6/prweb534914.htm
On Demand Books. (2012). The EBM technology. Retrieved from http://ondemandbooks.com/ebm_overview.php
I'm not sure how I have never heard of these! Brilliant invention if you ask me. I have used Lulu.com to publish a few books of my own, and appreciate the print-on-demand concept for its practicality. I think I'm going to have to take a trip to Schuler Books now to check it out in person. Thanks for sharing!
Wow very interesting, I like the fact that it can print in any language, and the self publishing aspect is also cool. I would love to see how it works, I may have to take a road trip to MSU or U of M!
Print on demand technology is such an amazing tool! I was not aware that it enabled people to print a book in any language, which is a major advantage!
I have seen the power of print on demand first hand while working at Barnes and Noble. One of the company's goals, very similar to libraries, is to put the book in the customer's (or patron's) hand. This might mean ordering a print on demand copy of a rare book that we cannot get any other way. One example of the success of print on demand is the novel Fifty Shades of Gray by EL James. This title actually originated as fan fiction based on the Twilight series. It gained early popularity in the United Kingdom and began to generate buzz in the United States on the social networking site, Good Reads. Though this book has yet to be officially published in the United States (Random House recently won a bidding war for the rights and will publish in April) it is at the top of the New York Times Bestseller list. How is this possible for a book that has not been published in the US?
Print on demand! The Barnes and Noble where I work had stocked up on about ten print on demand books based on customer interest. As the press began publishing stories about the grassroots novel, our print on demand copies flew off the shelves in a matter of days. (eBooks also helped boost the sales around the country.) The tale of Fifty Shades of Gray shows the power of this new technology. It is a great resource for libraries to take advantage of, and would enable them to provide virtually any book to their patrons.
Reference:
Ngak, C. (2012). How BDSM e-Book Fifty Shade of Gray Went Viral. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-57396331-501465/how-bdsm-e-book-fifty-shades-of-grey-went-viral/
Ty- I've never heard of Lulu.com! I guess I didn't realize the extent of print on demand services before I researched this post. Anne- I didn't realize that Barnes & Noble could print out-of-date materials either! There is so much to learn about this emerging technology. It will be interesting to see where this goes in the future.
This is really cool. Thank you for sharing this story! This seems like a really fascinating machine. I want to see one in action. This would really have come in handy for my undergrad thesis. I think this could also be helpful with periodicals.