Goin' Digital: eBooks Now Available Through BookSense.com

On Tuesday, May 22, BookSense.com officially launched a functionality that provides consumers with the option of purchasing eBooks through participating stores' websites. The eBooks, which are downloaded to the consumer's computer and/or handheld device, are accessible through all BookSense.com templated websites. Ingram Digital Ventures will fulfill eBook orders in three formats -- Palm OS, Adobe, and Microsoft Reader.

"As the world moves inexorably toward its digital future, we're very pleased to provide functionality that enables stores using the BookSense.com engine to participate," said Len Vlahos, BookSense.com director. "This is an important first step for us, but by no means the last. We look forward to continuing to build out the BookSense.com suite of tools to take full advantage of new technologies."

The BookSense.com system will treat the purchase of an eBook in the same manner that it treats a vendor-fulfilled order, even if the customer has selected a different option (such as "Store Pickup") for the other books in his or her shopping cart. Once purchased, the eBook is available immediately for download through the "My Account" button on the bookstore website. Stores that elect not to participate in the sale of eBooks have the ability to remove eBooks from keyword searches their admin "Preferences" page.

BookSense.com will provide customer service for any issues related to eBook downloads. Booksellers with questions about eBooks, or with customer service issues, should contact the BookSense.com staff at (800) 637-0037, ext. 2, or at [email protected].