Dymocks shelves digital books

Dymocks has put plans to introduce digital books in New Zealand back on the shelf.

The bookseller planned to install kiosks dispensing digital books in its stores early this year, but New Zealand general manager Andrew Howard says the project has been put on hold.

"At this stage I want more security on the robustness of the development before we share it with customers."

Dymocks in Australia sells digital books, online and through the kiosks. Customers can download titles to USB sticks, DVDs, iPods and Dymocks' iLiad ebook reader.

Mr Howard said in January last year that Dymocks planned to install kiosks in every store in New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong.

Martin Taylor, director of the Digital Publishing Forum in New Zealand, says Dymocks' digital books launch would be welcomed by the forum. "But we understand they want to make sure they have all their ducks in a row."

The forum was set up last year to ensure New Zealand was not left behind in the adoption of digital books. It has held workshops to educate publishers about ebooks.

- © Fairfax NZ News