RSS feedsBookStore from MPS Technologies lets publishing companies upload digitised content. But it’s more than just a repository, as researchers can use its public web interface to explore and purchase content, either digitally or in print.
Users can choose from three methods of receiving BookStore-hosted content: online read-only, a PDF, or a printed version. Content can be bought from the publishers themselves via BookStore or an e-tailer such as Amazon .
Searches on BookStore work on a similar principle to Google’s offering, using keyword findings. BookStore displays the most relevant results from a digitised page. BookStore has the typical functionality that users will be aware of from sites such as Amazon. Supported features include wishlists (publications the user is interested in), book jacket images, and My Bookshelf, which is a favourites section listing recently bought or viewed publications.
Searching is categorised across the site as a whole or within a particular book. There are also links to relevant publications, websites and news on future releases of similar publications. Online and print bundles are not yet available.
Unlike Google , BookStore requires users to register. The demo IWR took part in required registration each time a digital book was bought from a different publisher. The demographical information entered will belong to whichever publisher you purchase a book from. But it is entirely possible that users’ personal data will be sent out to all the booksellers as a result of using the service each time. It’s the way of the internet, although some may find it off-putting, not to mention time-consuming.
BookStore effectively represents an MPS platform for each publisher rather than a consolidated platform with the relationship between publisher and user. From a user’s point of view, it is part of a publisher’s website rather than a single hub as is the case with a traditional online bookseller or Google Book Search.
BookStore is not intended to compete with the Open Content Alliance or with Google, but it gives publishers more options to take control of content online. With the big search engines making use of a publisher’s digitised text and content, Google or MSN users may discover a scanned page that fits their needs and be directed seamlessly to BookStore-hosted pages.
So while BookStore’s technology is nothing special, the site gives publishers what they want. Given enough support, it will mean more digital and searchable content is available for the customer.
If publishers are to take the initiative on digital content, they will need to support platforms such as BookStore. They will also need to agree on standards if they are ever to be a genuine success with consumers. BookStore, though, goes some way to making that happen.
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