SALT LAKE: Online libraries have finally made their way into the city of book lovers. Though a comparatively new concept for the city, these libraries are based out of Salt Lake and are gradually roping in more members with new and innovative offers.
Anisha Chaturvedi, who owns a bookshop in Salt Lake launched Footsteps.co.in this year with an initial investment of Rs 60,000 to Rs 80,000. "To support our bookstore economically I thought of starting an online library were most of the latest books of the store will be available," said Chaturvedi.
Initially she managed to get 15 to 20 members, and the number gradually went up to 80. Looking at the demographics of the area, she is hopeful that the demand will increase by more than 15 percent in the coming months.
Just Books a nationwide library chain, also opened its first centre in the eastern region at Salt Lake in January this year. With a physical library of 12,000 titles, the library provides online facility with home delivery all over the city. Malvika Ray put in Rs 25 lakh to start this venture in Salt Lake. "I am from a family of voracious readers. And we were utterly disappointed when we discovered that there wasn't a good library in Salt Lake," said Ray. Currently the library has 500 active members, of which, almost 300 are from Salt Lake and the neighbouring areas.
Both the entrepreneurs talked about the advantages of an online library. "Books are getting dearer by the day and even if they are affordable, storing them is a problem, library obviously is the solution," said Ray. But starting a physical library can involve huge investment and various constraints.
"Most of the established libraries in Kolkata don't have regular upgradation of books. Maximum readers today want to go for the Indian fictions. One can find these books in bookstores, but they somehow never appear in the old libraries," said Chaturvedi, who makes sure that all new books are available on her website for borrowing within four to six weeks of their release.
RARE BOOKS
Her passion for storing rare books and journals forced Jyoti Bandhopadhay to start Bangla E Library in 2003. Over the years, Bangla E Library has grown leaps and bounds. But Bangla E Library is different from others. There is no membership fee and most of these rare books or manuscripts are available in a pdf format, which can be downloaded by the readers.
"Digitalisation is the best way to preserve rare literature. And I thought of making these rare works of literature available to the readers," said Bandhopadhay who has a 950 sq ft office harbouring the rare collection at Salt Lake. With readers pouring in from various parts of the world, currently the site has 5,500 visits per day. While 40 percent of hits are from Kolkata, about 66 percent are from the rest of India. "There are many enquiries from Salt Lake, almost 18 percent of my readers are from the area," said Bandhopadhay.
CUSTOMER PROFILE
The customer profile of the area is also another factor that is getting them business. "We have received a lot of young members within the age group of eight to 10 years, who have a high exposure to online medium," said Chaturvedi who delivers books in and around Salt Lake only. "It is our kids' section that gets maximum members along with elderly and working people," said Ray.
Footsteps have many members from Sector V, who want to go for light one-time reads. These books are mostly fictions by Indian authors. "Almost 60 percent of library members are in the age group of 30 to 40 years going for fiction, while 20 to 25 percent comprises of readers below 18 years," said Chaturvedi.
The online libraries are also looking forward to corporate tie-ups to get readers in bulk. "Being located near Sector V, we are approaching different companies for tying up with us. The companies would buy an annual membership for almost 25 employees. We get the entire membership fee together. Once the members enrol, we would go to the offices on fixed dates and cater to all the 25 readers delivering them books in one go rather than going to 25 different addresses," informed Chaturvedi. For such bulk bookings she offers a 10 to 12 percent discount. "By the next six months we expect to close at least corporate deals," said an optimistic Chaturvedi.
With more 12,000 odd titles at Just Books and 5,000 titles at Footsteps, readers are spoilt for choice. They can simply log on to these websites, check their stock neatly divided into various categories, with each book supported by a brief description. And then place books on their 'wishlist' or 'bookshelf'. The book is then delivered to them within a few days. "For senior citizens, we take orders over the phone as they might have difficulty in placing online orders," said Chaturvedi.
With a variety of membership plans, these libraries cater to all age groups. Almost all these libraries have facilities like 'pick-up' and 'home delivery' and that too without a fixed return date.
Footsteps have quarterly, half-yearly and annual plans. And one can borrow two books at a time. "Including registration and security deposit which is refundable our plans start from Rs 800 and go up to Rs 1,800 depending on the time period," said Chaturvedi.
Footsteps are also giving a 15 percent discount on library membership till the Durga Puja. "We have our centres in nine cities across India and a Just Books membership is valid across all these cities. So even if someone is travelling, he/she can avail our facilities if he/she is in any one of those nine cities," said Ray.
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