Theological Libraries Ebook Lending Project: Traditional and Revolutionary

Submitted by Donna Campbell, Westminster Theological Seminary

Good news! After concluding a successful yearlong pilot project in June 2016, the new phase of the Theological Libraries Ebook Lending Project (TLELP) has grown from five libraries with a one-year agreement, to thirteen libraries with a three-year agreement, and has plans for continued growth.

Now is the perfect time for you to join us! Save money and finally gain control over your digital content offerings (eBooks, eAudio, etc.). With our shared ODILO eBook platform, libraries can bring in content from any publisher, as well as ingest and share their own publications and/or local content. Our customized platform allows TLELP greater freedom in terms of content and organization. Your library can lend various religious and theological materials through this innovative and easy-to-use platform.

Who Are We?

TLELP is a group of independent libraries that save money by purchasing religious and theological eBooks direct from publishers, to then securely lend those resources on a shared Adobe Content Server. In similar fashion to print book purchasing, TLELP libraries purchase specific eBooks for their own collections, usually allowing one simultaneous user for each copy purchased. Currently, TLELP libraries have acquired nearly 600 unique titles, with many available as multiple copies for all patrons to borrow.

Our publishers have agreed to allow TLELP libraries to share their collections with the other libraries participating in the project. Some publishers have even agreed to offer unlimited, concurrent use to the purchasing library.

What Discount Will I Receive As A New Library?

Discounts on the annual platform fee range from 10-30%. The sliding scale is based on the number of new libraries who sign on. The final number will be known in April/May 2017.

Want More Information?

Feel free to download the PDF for information on fee schedule and answers to frequently asked questions.

If you are making plans to join the platform or have additional questions, please contact Donna R. Campbell at dcampbell@wts.edu.