Date: 24 Jan 02 14:04:41 -0700
From: News netLibrary <News@netLibrary.com>
To: jhelmer@darkwing.uoregon.edu
Subject: Important information about the off-line netLibrary eBook Reader

I am writing to share important news about a change in netLibrary services.
Effective today, netLibrary will discontinue access to the off-line version of
our eBook Reader.  This will in no way impact you and your patrons' ability to
access eBooks on-line from your library or from a remote location.  It does
mean that patrons will no longer be able to download eBooks for off-line
viewing.

We have made the decision to discontinue access to the off-line reader for
several reasons.  After careful review of usage patterns, it is clear that the
product has not achieved wide acceptance. Only a very small percentage of
libraries and their patrons are using the off-line reader, and, in many cases,
that use represents an "experiment" rather than active endorsement.
Additionally, among the small number who have tried the offline reader,
satisfaction with the product as it currently stands has not achieved the
levels we would deem appropriate to warrant its continued availability.

Secondly, netLibrary is now receiving a higher percentage of new, front-list
titles in pdf format, allowing us to more rapidly integrate new titles into our
catalog.  The current off-line reader does not support access to pdf formats.

Finally, as we near the close of the sale of netLibrary to OCLC Online Computer
Library Center, we will be working together to better understand what specific
off-line capability is most meaningful to libraries and their patrons, and to
determine the best course of action in developing a new offering in that area.

Again, I want to underscore that this move in no way impacts the primary method
by which libraries and patrons access netLibrary eBooks -- that is, via on-line
access from within your library, or from a remote location through your
library's web site.

While we regret any inconvenience this decision may cause you and your patrons,
we believe this move will allow us to refocus our resources on building and
supporting the adoption and use of eBooks and in more directly supporting the
needs of the majority of our customers. Should you have questions or concerns
about our business, our products and services, or our role in the future of the
eBook market, I hope you will accept this invitation to contact your netLibrary
representative directly.

Sincerely,

Rich Rosy
Executive Vice President
Sales and Publishing