Free Reading Zones: Transforming Access to Books through Technology

Library Technology Reports, October 2017 (53:7) How can we make e-books more readily available to our users, our communities, and society at large? In this issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 53, no. 7), "Free Reading Zones: Transforming Access to Books through Technology," Mirela Roncevic explores this question by taking a look at a unique e-book business model that turns geographic spaces into open virtual libraries to enable reading, promote literacy, and expose more books to more people. This report discusses Free Reading Zones (FREZ), which are designated areas that provide people free and uninterrupted access to e-books through sponsorships. Roncevic shares how this initiative came about, who's behind it, and the short-term and long-term goals of FREZ. Throughout the issue, Roncevic explores how FREZ can empower the e-book industry-consumers, aggregators, distributers, and publishers-by equalizing access to knowledge and education in areas beyond thriving city communities. Describing her experience launching the first FREZ in a small European cafe and turning the entire country of Croatia into an open virtual library for one whole month, she shows how creating open virtual libraries can make reading more accessible and open. The goal of this report is to both inspire and motivate librarians to embrace the idea of open virtual libraries and attempt similar initiatives in their communities.