Fictionwise, an eBook retailer, is launching Libwise, a product that the company said allows any library or group to field a completely outsourced, automated eBook lending website. The product officially launches on October 7, 2002 at www.libwise.com.

The Libwise product allows patrons to download borrowed eBooks to their personal computers or many popular handheld devices such as Palm, Pocket PC, Windows CE, and Psion, or even some Nokia cell phones. EBooks are read using the free Mobipocket reading software. Mobipocket's secure technology enables eBooks to "time-out," which Fictionwise said makes the entire model possible.

According to Fictionwise, borrowers may read the eBooks during a checkout period--configurable by the library from a few days to a few weeks--after which the eBook file expires and then becomes available for the next patron to borrow. The patron interface is accessible through any industry standard web browser and can be customized to look just like another part of the library's general website.

EInfo Solutions is an Australian company which plans to use Libwise to service rural libraries in the Australian outback. Mike Ottoy, CEO of eInfo Solutions, commented: "Libwise is easy to use and the download of eBooks works really well. The administration functions appear to cover everything that we would require, and are very simple to use. From our perspective, the greatest benefits will come from being able to share our resources amongst a number of libraries in our area."