Amigos Library Services Receives Texas Grant for SimplyE

Dallas, TX August 21, 2017
Printable version of this press release (.pdf)

Amigos Library Services recently received a Cooperation Grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Funding from this grant allows Amigos to assist public libraries who are interested in implementing the SimplyE app.

SimplyE is an open source e-reading platform developed by libraries for libraries. In short, it simplifies a library users' experience finding, borrowing and reading an e-book from the library. Developed using ReadersFirst principles, it makes borrowing e-books from a library easy and quick, hiding the Digital Rights Management (DRM) frustrations from the patron.

Back in May 2017 with funding from the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, Amigos began work on the technical infrastructure necessary to support implementing the app for public libraries.

"This grant from the Texas State Library & Archives Commission gives Amigos Library Services the ability to create a stable service not only for our members, but also for other libraries that are interested in the app, but lack the technical resources to implement it on their own," said Christine Peterson, Continuing Education Librarian.

Alan Kornblau, President and CEO of Amigos Library Services added, "In just three steps, the SimplyE app allows users to browse a library's collection of ebooks, select one, and start reading. Amigos Library Services is always looking for new ways to help libraries serve their communities, and this is a great example."

This Fall, Peterson will schedule webinars focused on the functionality and development of the app. Information on these webinars will be posted on the Amigos Library Services website.

This project is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. (2018)