Most libraries offer a wide collection of electronic media in addition to digital downloads. Collections usually include: audiobooks on disc, movies and tv shows on DVD and music on CDs. In addition, some libraries also offer the audiobooks on pre-recorded players like Recorded Books’ Playaway and via online digital downloads.

A 74 foot, 18 wheeled, high tech bookmobile could be coming to your local library soon. Digital book publisher OverDrive, Inc. has tricked out the tractor-trailer to be the next generation bookmobile.

Bookmobiles are nothing new. They have been serving communities for decades bringing books to those who can’t get to the library. OverDrive’s Digital Bookmobile is bringing digital books and audiobooks to North America on a coast to coast tour. (Check out the calendar here.)

According to www.digitalbookmobile.com, the tour’s objective is to deliver an engaging download experience where library users can immerse themselves in an interactive learning environment and raise awareness of a public library’s download service of digital audiobooks, eBooks, music, and video.

The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high-definition monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players. Interactive computer stations give visitors an opportunity to search the digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and sample eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video from the library.

The Digital Bookmobile is hosted by individual public libraries in support of their download services and is operated by OverDrive, Inc. To see if your public library offers download books and more, visit the Digital Media Locator.

Are you in the middle of spring cleaning and need to create more space? If you have a large music collection, your jewel cases can take up a lot of room. One way to condense a large CD collection into a smaller sapce is by using multi-disc cases.

Also, with so many people living life on the go, they want to be able to take their CD’s with them without having to worry about the discs or the cases being ruined.

Portability and durability are important to find in a CD case, while still being able to have a professional look.

We are now offering multi-disc CD cases that take up less space than individual jewel cases and are also more convenient to carry.

These black cases snap shut like a DVD case and feature an outside clear overlay to display cover artwork. And you can’t go wrong by saving space with a 16-disc CD case that takes up the same room as three standard sized jewel cases or six slim jewel cases.

By having a durable case that can hold multiple discs, you can take your CD’s with you wherever you go. And when you eventually put them away, you’ll have room to collect even more!

Libraries are trying to continue to stay up to date with the current times. With this comes the increasing demand for the new Blu-ray technology format.

Since Blu-ray discs are able to hold 25GB (single layer), rather than just 4.7GB with a standard DVD, it brings major improvements to the image quality, audio quality, and special features.

Blu-ray discs can deliver up to 48MB per second, while DVDs only bring 8MB per second. This is a huge jump for picture quality! It is no doubt that people would prefer to watch Blu-ray movies, if they have the capabilities.

Libraries see this demand and want to meet it to satisfy their customers. As they increase their media collection to include Blu-ray discs, they need authentic, high-quality Blu-ray cases to replace their old ones. These electric blue cases are eye-appealing and are a reminder of the higher quality that comes with the Blu-ray format.

Don’t know where to get them? We now offer authentic Blu-Ray cases here at Sunrise Packaging! You can visit our store at http://shop.sunpack.com.

Given the current economy, people are using libraries more than ever before. They are looking for any way to save money and are turning to the free resources that libraries provide.

Libraries offer books, audio music and books, magazines, programs, computer services, the Internet, and even some DVDs all free of charge. It’s no wonder that so many people are using these free resources, rather than paying for the same thing.

Laura Dolce from seacoastonlone.com reported on several libraries in southern Maine that are having increased circulation of their collections. Several interesting numbers were cited in her report:

• Huge increase in the number of people taking out books, DVDs and audio materials.
• One library saw circulation from July to December of last year increase 8.5%
• DVD usage has increased significantly.
• The number of patrons using libraries regularly has increased also

Not only do libraries need to increase their collections to support this demand, but they may also need to replace their current DVD cases with more durable, long-lasting ones.

But libraries are not exempt from economic hardships. Costs are rising and budgets are tight. Libraries need to watch where they are spending their money. For this reason, it would be a good idea to invest in premium-quality DVD cases and durable audiobook cases for a reasonable cost. More use means that there will be more wear and tear on the cases. Therefore, libraries need cases that will last long, rather than having to replace them frequently.

It can be a great expense for libraries to be able to offer a wide range of CDs and DVDs in their media collections. This is especially true when theft and damage are taken into consideration. Libraries want to be able to provide these resources to the public, but cannot afford to keep replacing the stolen or damaged discs. Can anything be done to prevent these problems? We had a few ideas that could reduce these losses:

First, invest in premium quality CD/DVD cases. These cases are durable, and not only will the cases last longer, but they will also protect your discs. Strong hubs prevent the discs from falling out, and the quick-release button allows for easy removal without breaking the disc. Media collections get an extensive amount of use and that requires packaging that will last.

Premium quality cases can help prevent damage, but how can libraries prevent theft? There needs to be a higher amount of security. A number of different companies offer electromagnetic security tape. If this is placed on more costly items, theft can be reduced. 3M also offers a product called radio frequency identification (RFID) solution. This software verifies that the discs and cases match up when returned to libraries. This will make managing the growing media collections more efficient. Libraries will not have to worry about getting the wrong disc or receiving an empty case.

By investing in premium quality CD/DVD cases and security, damage and theft to libraries’ media collections can be significantly reduced. Then libraries could add more options to their selection, rather than having to replace the old ones.