The South Carolina State Library is pleased to be the first state library in the country to make the SELF-e digital self-publishing platform available to all libraries in the state as well as our cardholders – for FREE! SELF-e is an innovative collaboration between Library Journal and BiblioBoard that enables authors and libraries to work together, and exposes notable self-published eBooks to voracious readers looking to discover something new.
SELF-e connects self-published authors, libraries, and readers by providing tools to upload self-published works to the newly created IndieSC online collection. If selected via Library Journal’s SELF-e curation process, the author’s eBooks will become part of a unique discovery platform for participating public libraries across the United States that enables patrons to read eBooks on any device, at any time. This free service is available to all self-published authors, no matter which self-publishing service(s) they use. All that is required is an engaging story and your eBook file.
The SELF-e platform will also enable South Carolina’s public libraries to take submissions from their local self-published authors and make those eBooks available to patrons through public libraries throughout the state. Libraries can make these eBooks available with no checkouts or returns, and no multi-user limitations. The platform is easy to use and can accommodate any self-published author.
According to CJ Lyons, best-selling self-published author, "Libraries are all about readers and writers connecting. Since so many of my new readers discover my books via their local libraries, it’s vital that all my books, whether traditionally published or self-published, be easily accessible to library patrons. This program helps librarians to better serve readers and authors to grow their audience, creating a perfect synergy of benefit to all book-lovers."
“We are very pleased to be able to bring this new self-publishing platform to the state,” said Dr. Curtis Rogers, Communications Director for the South Carolina State Library. “Writing groups will be able to take advantage of this program by uploading their original works and sharing them with interested readers. It’s a great opportunity for authors to get their books read.”
Literacy is a large component of the project, and Leesa Aiken, Acting Director of the South Carolina State Library, stated that “we believe SELF-e will have a positive impact on literacy skills by encouraging written expression.”
South Carolina public libraries that wish to participate in this program may add information to their website, or point directly to the State Library’s website at statelibrary.sc.gov/self-e. For more information, please contact Patricia Sinclair, Electronic Resources Librarian at 803-734-8851 or psinclair@statelibrary.sc.gov.
This project is made possible by a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the South Carolina State Library.
