Frequently Asked Questions
Your most common questions, answered.
Library Simplified is a collection of middleware, server software, collections management tools and mobile client applications for iOS and Android that libraries use to deliver e-books and audiobooks to their patrons. It is designed to be integrated with existing technologies and systems common to libraries such as an Integrated Library System/Library Management Systems (ILS/LMS), Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) or Single Sign On (SSO) credential management system. It connects to commercial e-book hosting and distribution services such as Overdrive, Baker & Taylor’s Axis360, bibliotheca’s cloudLibrary, and Digital Rights Management products such as Adobe, LCP and Findaway.
SimplyE is the free-to-use e-reader that library patrons download to their mobile devices and use to browse, borrow and read library e-books. It is the end-user interface of the Library Simplified suite of software tools that libraries can use to manage their e-book and audiobook collections.
Any library entity or consortium that is not a component of a college or university, and qualifies as a public library under applicable state or federal law; or is a government entity; or is a tax-exempt entity under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code; and engages in Public Library Services can become a partner.
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The SimplyE mobile application provides a native mobile interface on iOS and Android. Patrons can download it directly from their mobile app stores.
IOS and Android represent 98 percent of the global tablet market and 95 percent of the global smartphone market. SimplyE is currently compatible with:
- Android versions 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
- iOS versions 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
SimplyE is compatible with most library e-book and audiobook providers, including:
- Baker & Taylor Axis360
- cloudLibrary by Bibliotheca
- DPLA Exchange
- EBSCO NoveList
- BiblioBoard
- Odilo
- OverDrive
- RBDigital audiobooks and ebooks
Yes. The application is built to work with e-books with Adobe DRM and audiobooks with Findaway and Overdrive’s proprietary audiobook rights management. As alternative DRM technologies are introduced through other vendors, they will be included too. Libraries do not need to set up DRM to use SimplyE.
We would love your help! Join the Library Simplified Slack workspace to talk to other developers or use our contact form to request access.
All code extensions and contributions should be provided back to the larger community under Apache licensing or license free. By doing this, as a community we strengthen the solution and the community of libraries.
Yes. Audiobook functionality is currently available for Findaway- and Overdrive-provided audiobooks.
SimplyE does support display of non-encrypted PDFs that do not include proprietary extensions and additional commercial licensing. The app does NOT currently render Adobe-encrypted PDF. While PDF is an open standard, there are several proprietary Adobe extensions that make them inaccessible to third-party PDF rendering tools. Those extensions require proprietary rendering technology.
No. The app does not render Kindle AZW file format. That format is also protected by a modified version of Mobipocket DRM that is proprietary to Amazon and not available to third parties.
No. The app does not work on e-ink devices. Those devices are currently unable to fully support the EPUB file format or the underlying rendering technology. However, some newer devices that run the Android operating system are becoming available. SimplyE has tested well so far on those prototype devices.
We provide the application source code so it may be customized by individual organizations to meet their particular institutions needs. However, we ask that enhancements, bug fixes, or extensions be contributed back to the community so that other libraries, like yours, can benefit from these improvements.
Yes. Early returns are a function of the Adobe DRM which is common to e-book providers.