In the middle of everything that’s been going on lately, I managed to space a few bits of info that came in. Here’s me, getting caught up…
Dear DeAnna,
I received your Ask a Librarian question concerning self published books and e books for the library. Currently, only E books purchased from Overdrive can be added to our collection. You can inquire at http://www.overdrive.com/Contact/ to find if they contract with individual authors. Just in case you’re not familiar, the Kindle book format is not compatible with any library based e book platform.
Attached is a document that contains information for marketing your book to PPLD.
Also, here is a link to PPLD’s Collection Policy http://www.ppld.org/collection-development-policy . This will give you information about our mission, selection criteria and a descriptions of the different adult, teen and children’s materials that the library provides the community.http://www.ppld.org/collection-descriptions
Here at PPLD, we have centralized selection which means that when we decide to order a title, we order the number of copies that we think will serve the entire system. Denver is another system, as well as, Douglas County, Arapahoe County. Manitou and Security are also separate libraries from PPLD. An author would need to market his/ her book individually to each library or library system, since each library has its own selection criteria and budget priorities.
I hope this information helps you.
Sincerely,
AnnAnn Soltis
Selection Librarian
Collection Management
Pikes Peak Library District
asoltis@ppld.org
Marketing Your Book to Pikes Peak Library District
Pikes Peak Library District is interested in books whose content is written for the general reader rather than for the specialist or practitioner. Of the many books published each year, PPLD is only able to add a small percentage to the collection due to space and budgetary constraints. Selection criteria listed in the collection policy are carefully applied to ensure that the collection is as pertinent and responsive as possible.
The primary criteria are public demand and interest; critical reviews; presentation and readability; author’s reputation and significance as a writer; reputation and standing of the publisher; availability of the information elsewhere; local or national significance; and quality of the physical format. PPLD does not collect textbooks, books that are designed to be filled out by the reader or to have pages torn out, or books with removable parts other than compact discs. Books need to be sturdily bound, preferably sewn or glued; spiral and comb bindings do not stand up well to heavy library use.
The best way to bring your book to our attention is through reviews in recognized publications. A positive review in one or more library review journals or a local newspaper will give your book a chance of being considered by Pikes Peak Library District. Journals include, for example, Library Journal, Booklist, School Library Journal (for children’s books), and Publisher’s Weekly. Newspapers include The Gazette, Colorado Springs Independent, and Denver Post.
Drop-in visits to promote your book cannot be accommodated. PPLD’s Community Engagement Office maintains a database, however, of authors and performers available for signings and programs. If you wish to be added to the database, please call (719)531-6333, extension 1212. If you wish to leave a copy of your book for consideration, it will be deemed a donation. It will be considered for addition to the collection based on our selection criteria and may or may not be added. If the item is not added to the collection it will be given to our Friends of the Library for sale in an upcoming book sale. We are unable to notify you of the decision. Address any donations to Collection Management, Pikes Peak Library District, P.O. Box 1579, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1579.
Email flyer: selection@ppld.org
For information on how to submit a book for review in one of the library review journals contact:
Booklist
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
http://www.ala.org/booklist/submit.htmlLibrary Journal
http://www.libraryjournal.com/csp/cms/sites/LJ/info/submissions.csp
I also received word from Content Reserve (OverDrive) that my next step is sending them five full epub titles for review; once someone has reviewed them, then they will vouchsafe the steps after that.