BitLit, creators of an inventive app that enables publishers to offer ebook bundles to readers, has selected Bowker Global Books In Print® database to power its new 'Shelfie' function. Readers use the app to take a photo of their bookshelf (a "Shelfie"). Computer vision algorithms then identify titles on the shelf that are available to the reader at a free or discounted price from publishers participating in BitLit's bundling service.
BitLit will use Bowker Global Books In Print as the bibliographic database of Shelfie, enabling accurate matches of a book's spine with its metadata. According to Doug McMillan, Bowker vice-president, Strategic Partnerships and Licensing, BitLit connects readers to ebooks and, in turn, publishers to readers. The comprehensive and authoritative data from Books In Print provides the critical link from the scanned image to the title and associated metadata.
Founded in 2013, BitLit works directly with publishers to offer readers print and ebook bundles for free or at a very low cost. It's been embraced by readers for both its flexibility and ease of use, as well as the expanded options it offers them for reading – in print or on any digital device. Publishers use BitLit as a way to connect with their readers, especially those in brick-and-mortar stores, enabling them to easily expand their print purchase to include an e-version.
Bowker collaborates with thousands of publishers, retailers, libraries and search engines worldwide to make their book collections – whether print or digital – easily discovered, evaluated and selected by users. The authoritative Books In Print database is used by customers to power their book collections, embedding them with rich details and real-time updates that capture new title releases.
Bowker offers a variety of data and delivery options for any organisation that needs information about physical or digital books to power its business.
