eBook Pod Configuration

As digital materials become more and more prevalent it was only a matter of time before Resource Sharing would find a way to share eBooks between libraries. Rapido recently added the ability to join eBook pods along with new options in Alma and Rapido to support the pods. Below are the basic configurations to join the first eBook pod. 

It is important for libraries in any eBook pods to be able to Lend materials as well as Borrow them. Since eBook is a new format for Resource Sharing the majority of eBook licenses likely do not mention whole eBook Resource Sharing at all, so we are starting fresh in this area. To join an eBook pod, libraries should first contact the respective publishers to get permission to lend any eBooks that they would like to add to the pod. Libraries are also encouraged to negotiate language that allows whole eBook lending into future licenses.

Once libraries have determined that a whole eBook or eBook collection can be shared, the library will then need to add an Internal Description note at the Electronic Collection level to mark the item as available for Lending. This uses the same process used to add the RapidILL Lending Note and License Terms but uses one of two new Internal Descriptions:

• eBookLendablePDF: Lendable to all RapidILL libraries worldwide in the eBook Rapido pod sharing whole PDFs.
• eBookLendableLink: Lendable to all RapidILL libraries worldwide in the eBook Rapido pod sharing temporary links (coming later 2025). 

Once there are at least a handful of sharable eBooks, the library can join an eBook pod This link will take you to an external website in a new tab. and proceed with the rest of the configuration.   Use this flow chart to check on the lend-ability of eBooks at your library.

Location:
Admin > Manage Jobs and Sets > Manage Sets

Action Steps:

• Click Add Set

• Choose Create Logical Set

• Fill out the following fields:

  • Set Name: Rapido eBook Pod - No DRM

  • Description: eBooks approved to share through Rapido with no DRM

  • Set Content Type: Electronic Portfolios

  • Set Type: Logical

  • Content Origin: Institution Only

  • Private: ☐ (Uncheck this option)

  • Active: ✅ (Check this option)

• Define criteria to include only the appropriate eBooks:

  • Click the magnifying glass icon near the top of the screen to open filter options

  • Add the following filters:

    Field	Operator	Value
    Electronic Collection: Internal Description	Contains Keywords	eBookLendablePDF
    Has Inventory	Equals	Yes
    Tag Suppressed (Title)	Equals	No
    Availability (Electronic Portfolio)	Equals	Available
    Material Type	Equals	Book

• Click Save Query

Location:
Configuration > Resource Sharing > Configuration > Members

Action Steps:

• On the Members page, select your Resource Sharing Library.

• Go to the Digital Lending Policies tab.

• In the Participating eBooks section for the Rapido eBook Pod, select +Add Participating eBooks.

• In the popup window, name the Participating eBooks rule: No DRM Titles.

• Use the Add Set search to locate the logical set you created in Step 1: Rapido eBook Pod - No DRM

• Click Add and Close.

• Confirm that the set now appears in the Participating eBooks section for the Rapido eBook Pod.

• In the Digital Items Lending Policies section, click the ellipsis (⋮) next to the Rapido eBook Pod and select Edit.

• Click the Participating Items drop-down menu and select the Participating eBooks rule you previously made: No DRM Titles

Location:
Configuration > Resource Sharing > Configuration > Members

Action Steps:

• On the Members page, select your Resource Sharing Library.

• Go to the Borrowing Policies tab.

• Select the eBook DRM Free International pod.

• Move it to the appropriate spot in your Borrowing Pod Priority preferences.

  • To prioritize eBooks above physical items, move the pod to the top of the list.

• Click Save to apply your changes.

You can now borrow and lend eBooks through Rapido!
Your library is officially contributing to and benefiting from the Rapido eBook sharing network.