Ebooks To Go On Over-the-counter Sale In Australia

eBooks To Go On Over-The-Counter Sale In Australia

Australians will be able to buy digital books over the counter at bookstores from next year using a digital distribution system constructed for Australian book publishers.

The move will bring easy availability of eBooks in Australia a step closer, says the CEO of the Australian Publishers Association, Maree McCaskill.

"Right now, take-up of eBooks in Australia has been hampered," she explained. "Sales of eBook readers have been slow because of cost and availability issues, and there is no simple system for eBook distribution.

"This new system will allow Australians to download digital books quickly and simply via participating bookstores. This will make a wider range of eBooks more freely available," she said.

All booksellers using the APA's TitlePage program will be able to access the system.

Customers wanting to buy eBooks can go to a participating retailer, check the title they want is available in the right format and price using TitlePage, then give the store their email address and pay for the book.

The new system will email customers a unique web address they can access to download the book at their convenience.

Ms McCaskill said the system is expected to be operating in the first half of 2010.

"TitlePage was a world industry first, and this addition will be a groundbreaking industry solution for Australian retailers and consumers," she added.

"Australian booksellers have been looking for an industry solution to enable them to participate in this market, and this system will minimise risk for them in a fast-moving landscape."

The CEO of the Australian Booksellers Association, Malcolm Neil, welcomed the move, saying: "This innovative initiative taken by the APA will ensure Australian readers have access to the choice of retailer which suits them in this exciting new market."

Ms McCaskill said the APA expected to be working closely with booksellers on the implementation of this new digital distribution system.

"The decision demonstrates the importance of maintaining territorial copyright for books in Australia. This is what gives publishers the security to make this major investment in new technology, ultimately to the benefit of consumers," she said.

Media contact:
Jos Borghino
0413 998 033

SOURCE: Australian Public Affairs