A notable, library-related phenomenon, is the ‘Espresso Book
Machine’ (EBM), a standalone automated copy center that can create a “perfect
binding” book in a matter of minutes from a given PDF. Its informational literature notes that “the
EBM has access to more than 400,000 public-domain books” through the Open
Content Alliance. This amount is
projected to increase substantially going forward. Similar to a photocopier, the EBM requires
but minimal maintenance, including: “refilling paper trays, replacing toner
cartridges, emptying the trim-paper receptacle, and clearing paper jams.”
According to the October 2008 issue of Bookseller, Australian bookseller Angus & Robertson Whitcoulls
(ARW) just unveiled the first retail Espresso Book Machine at its Melbourne Bourke Street store. ARW is banking on the EBM to
quintuple its in-store book selections without adding storage space. A January 2009 Publishers Weekly article further announced that Northshire
Bookseller bought an EBM for its Manchester
Center, Vermont store
to garner it both publicity and profits.
Northshire hopes that it will increase sales of its Shires Press
imprint, classic novels, and local-interest titles. So far,Roosevelt University
has no plans to order one. See the
recent Mass
Digitization blog post for information about the Hathi Trust, which may
soon become a content source for university library-owned EBMs.
The EBM was noted in Time magazine’s 2007 “Best Inventions
of the Year”. Here is the description
listed in the piece: “The Espresso Book
Machine -- meaning "fast," not coffee -- can churn out a 300-page
paperback on demand, complete with color cover, in just 3 min. The $50,000
machine could transform libraries into minibookstores, making hard-to-find
titles as accessible as cappuccinos. At $3 a book they might be cheaper too. Available
Now www.ondemandbooks.com”
References:
A&R
launches instore printer. (2008, October 3). Bookseller, Retrieved
February 11, 2009, from Business Source Premier database.
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=34753358&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live
Grossman, L., Dell, K., Buechner, M., Dorfman,
A., Hamilton, A., Keegan, R., et al. (2007, November 12). THE BEST INVENTIONS
OF THE YEAR. (Cover story). Time, 170(20), 59-105. Retrieved February 11, 2009, from Academic Search
Premier database. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=27363775&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Rosen, J.
(2009, January 19). CHANGE MAKERS. Publishers Weekly, 256(3),
26-26. Retrieved February 18, 2009, from Business Source Premier database.
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=36289859&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live
**Here is a URL for the specification sheet on the Espresso
Book Machine:
http://www.ondemandbooks.com/docs/EBM_Brochure.pdf
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