Reading in the Cloud

This online presentation by Andrew Rhomberg from Jellybooks will focus on a browser-centric use of the Readium architecture to create a cloud-based, file-free, ebook reading environment that takes place entirely in the browser and offers users a “one-click-and-read” experience.

Part I will provide a brief history of Readium initiatives for Web Readers and the joint project between Jellybooks, EDRLab and other Readium contributors to provide an open source toolset for a web-based ebook reader known as “Readium Web” that leverages the current Readium architecture of APIs and shared models and is scheduled to replace Readium JS this autumn.

Part II will demonstrate applications of this upcoming Readium Web release from ebook samples to review copies that were developed in the form of the Jellybooks Cloud Reader. The latter covers narrative books (re-flowable ePub), illustrated books (fixed layout ePub) and spoken word (audiobooks based on the new W3C standard).This section will cover how publishers, small and large, as well as indie book shops have leveraged the Jellybooks Cloud Reader to build deeper relationships with readers and improve their book marketing game. This webinar will also highlight opportunities for publishers and non-technical professionals to try the Jellybooks Cloud Reader for free (in English, German and French) to harness the opportunities Readium Web can offer. For a sneak peek see here: https://jbks.co/review_copy_service (offer is available for English-language, German-language and French-language books).

Part III will focus on lessons learnt. Jellybooks collects highly detailed data on reader engagement and uses the analytics to provide audience insights to publishers and improve with their book marketing efforts and spend. The same data and analytics can also be used to improve the online reading and user experience itself (“focus on the reader”).  This section will also explore how a browser, rather than a file-based approach, has helped improve publisher workflows and enabled new and more flexible ways of working for book publishers. We will also discuss the limitations of a browser based approach.