Fictionwise, an eBook retailer, is launching Libwise, a product that the company said allows any library or group to field a completely outsourced, automated eBook lending website. The product officially launches on October 7, 2002 at www.libwise.com.

The Libwise product allows patrons to download borrowed eBooks to their personal computers or many popular handheld devices such as Palm, Pocket PC, Windows CE, and Psion, or even some Nokia cell phones. EBooks are read using the free Mobipocket reading software. Mobipocket's secure technology enables eBooks to "time-out," which Fictionwise said makes the entire model possible.

According to Fictionwise, borrowers may read the eBooks during a checkout period--configurable by the library from a few days to a few weeks--after which the eBook file expires and then becomes available for the next patron to borrow. The patron interface is accessible through any industry standard web browser and can be customized to look just like another part of the library's general website.

EInfo Solutions is an Australian company which plans to use Libwise to service rural libraries in the Australian outback. Mike Ottoy, CEO of eInfo Solutions, commented: "Libwise is easy to use and the download of eBooks works really well. The administration functions appear to cover everything that we would require, and are very simple to use. From our perspective, the greatest benefits will come from being able to share our resources amongst a number of libraries in our area."

Fictionwise said a website powered by Libwise can be set up, hosted, and fully supported by Fictionwise for as little as $29.95 a month. The librarian may select content from Fictionwise's catalog of contemporary titles that numbers in the thousands, and in dozens of categories, both fiction and nonfiction.

When used in a 'book club' environment, the system can be configured to automatically collect dues from participants. Public libraries would not use that feature, but would use Libwise's ability to validate card-holding patrons using the library's existing OPAC (open public access catalog) system. Public libraries can also enable a "donation" system that allows patrons to donate eBooks or cash to the library.

Kelly Ford, owner and founder of KnowBetter.com, said, "By building our new 'KnowBetter Lending Library' on the Libwise platform, we'll be able to offer eBook readers thousands of electronic titles they can freely check out--at any time of the day or night. The technology involved is truly remarkable. Libwise allows us to provide another great service to our readers, continue to work on our core website, and still have a little free time to read a few eBooks ourselves."