CALLAWAY, Md. (Oct. 18, 2013)—The public libraries in Southern Maryland are now able to offer Zinio for Libraries for library users in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. Zinio is a digital newsstand, offering multi-user access to popular publications in downloadable formats.
More than 50 of the most popular magazines are available for customers to download free, including Food Magazine, Elle, ESPN, Popular Mechanics, Forbes and Good Housekeeping. Zinio users can have access to complete digital magazines, which can easily be viewed on most internet-enabled devices inside or outside of the library. Zinio’s unique technology digitally recreates a magazine page for page, including full color pictures, intuitive navigation, key word article search and interactive elements such as audio and video.
Zinio magazines are viewed through a free Zinio Reader app, available from any mobile device app store. Magazines can be downloaded for off-line reading, as well. There are unlimited checkouts of Zinio magazines, and no late fees or check-in times.
“We’re very excited to be able to help provide this service to area library customers,” said Sharan Marshall, Southern Maryland Regional Library Association director. The regional library is funding the Zinio technical platform and service, while the three county libraries are choosing and purchasing the online magazines that are in the Zinio library.
“We know there has been a lot of anticipation for this product and we’re glad to be able to answer the publics’ demands for free, quality digital magazines,” Marshall said.
Zinio magazines can be accessed from any of the three county library websites, or directly from the “downloadable materials” tab on COSMOS ( http://cosmos.somd.lib.md.us ). First time Zinio users will be required to set up a Zinio.com account and password, as well as a Zinio library collection account. Library users can find help setting up Zinio on the COSMOS website, or talk to a librarian in person at their local branch.