Chapter 2. Key Benefits of Free Reading Zones

Authors

  • Mirela Roncevic

Abstract

Chapter 2 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 53, no. 7), “Free Reading Zones: Transforming Access to Books through Technology”

Chapter 2 of this issue of Library Technology Reports (vol. 53, no. 7), “Free Reading Zones: Transforming Access to Books through Technology,” aims to clarify the benefits of Free Reading Zones (FREZ) by focusing on the many ways in which they empower all who create, distribute, and consume e-books, ways in which they equalize access to knowledge and education in areas beyond thriving city communities, and ways in which they allow those who participate to align missions with other industries and form new partnerships to mutual profit. The chapter explores how FREZ benefits the culture, education, and tourism of a community and concludes with suggestions for how libraries can get involved in similar initiatives.


Author Biography

Mirela Roncevic

Mirela Roncevic is a professional editor, writer, content developer, and consultant to publishers, libraries, and library vendors. She has written, edited, and spearheaded the publication of a wide range of books, book series, articles, journals, portals, and digital resources. In 2016, Mirela founded the Free Reading Zones (FREZ) project, which brings developers, publishers, libraries, and sponsors together to turn public and private spaces into open virtual libraries, where people have access to books and other content in digital format. She also teaches classes on e-books through the American Library Association, hosts webinars and workshops on e-books and digital publishing, moderates panels at library conferences and book fairs, and speaks internationally on e-books and e-content.

She currently serves as Director of No Shelf Required, a portal on e-books and digital content and an organization helping libraries implement FREZ. She was previously Director of Content for Total Boox, Managing Editor of Salem Press’s “Critical Insights” series, and Senior Book Review Editor at Library Journal.

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Published

2017-10-05

Issue

Vol. 53 No. 7 (2017): October

Section

Chapters