650 newspapers online from your library

11 August 2008

Christchurch City Libraries now offers on-screen, same-day editions of over 650 newspapers from 76 countries, free to library members at christchurchcitylibraries.com/GoTo/PressDisplay

In a boost to its digital library, the library has subscribed to PressDisplay, billed as “the world’s largest online newspaper and magazine kiosk.” Library members can log in to the service to read their favourite New Zealand or international newspaper on the day of publication, from cover to cover, in its original print layout.

“The service offers a full newspaper-reading experience, using full digital copies of printed papers,” says Ann Ready, Christchurch City Libraries’ Content Manager. “You flip the pages over, as you do with a newspaper,” says Ms Ready, “and can browse newspapers page by page, or go directly to an article on the page you’re interested in. You can then zoom in or out to make reading really easy.”

Newspapers are available in 36 languages and can be translated into 12. Papers can be read in their full graphic versions, as they were printed, or as text-only versions. Users can also hear the news read to them by switching on the integrated radio. “Over 430 newspapers, including The Press, come with the integrated radio facility,” says Ms Ready.

Apart from just keeping up with what’s happening around the world, PressDisplay means Kiwis planning an O.E. can look for a job in the classified ads of an international newspaper, and Christchurch’s large migrant population can access their hometown newspapers, in their original language and as translations. 

Library cardholders can access PressDisplay at home or work, and it is also available at library buildings. The service now ensures each Christchurch City library has same-day availability of newspapers from around the world, previously impossible with printed newspapers due to shipment times.

Included in the 650 newspapers are 73 New Zealand papers including The Press, The Dominion Post and The New Zealand Herald. There is extensive international coverage, with over 70 newspapers from Australia including The Sydney Morning Herald, over a 100 each from the UK and the USA and popular newspapers from other countries. Members can print off pages or single stories, and email stories to friends.