At Lean Library, we help libraries deliver their services and resources directly into user workflows. Our browser extension offers two capabilities to libraries and their users that are relevant to publisher content:

1. Streamlining and simplifying access to library-subscribed publisher content
   ​This capability is available to all Lean Library customers.
   ​
   Lean Library integrates with the library’s holdings information and its authentication infrastructure. We do not store library holdings information, As a result of these integrations, when a library user browses to a publisher domain, our browser extension redirects them to the proxied URL. We do not need any direct integrations with publishers and all publishers are treated in exactly the same way.

2. Embedding relevant publisher content in user workflows to enhance discoverability and the Patron Workflow Integration
   ​This capability is only available to Lean Library customers on our premium packages such as Lean Library Futures.
   ​
   Lean Library is also able to embed relevant publisher content into a user’s workflows, via our browser extension. Preview content can be embedded directly onto any webpage, with URL links to relevant publisher pages for further information. Lean Library does this through the PWI (Patron Workflow Integration) standard, which outlines a consistent framework for integrating any content product or library tool with our browser extension.

How is this achieved technically?

There are two ways this capability is achieved technically.

1. Via bilateral integration, Publisher - Lean Library.

   Whenever a Lean Library customer requests a specific publisher integration that is not yet available, Lean Library will approach the publisher to establish a direct, bilateral integration, often achieved via API/s. We will also work with the publisher, and library customers, to make appropriate modifications in the ways in which the content is embedded to ensure the experience is optimised for the content type. We want the publisher, our libraries, and the end-user to be delighted with the experience.

   If you are a publisher and would like to discuss setting this up with Lean Library, please email partnerships@leanlibrary.com.

2. Via unilateral set-up, configured by the library itself.
   ​
   To ensure the scalability of this capability, we also give libraries the ability to set up content integrations themselves, without the need for any involvement from Lean Library or the publisher. All they need to do is assign specific URLs to a list of keywords and our browser extension will iFrame the content from those URLs whenever these keywords appear in a user workflow, and the user triggers an action to prompt the iFrame.

Some additional info

Who decides which publishers are integrated with the browser extension?

Whenever a library requests a particular publisher integration, we will do everything we can to make it work. We are happy to respond to publisher requests to integrate. We are confident that these integrations can be turned around quickly, with the capabilities and resources we have. Any complaints on this process could be emailed to partnerships@leanlibrary.com.

Who decides which content integrations are available to library users?

Whether the integration has been made available via direct integration with the publisher, or unilaterally by the library, which integrations are made available to library users is entirely at the library’s discretion.

What does Lean Library do with the usage it tracks for publisher content?

Lean Library does not share usage data outside of the relevant library customer unless approval is granted to do so. Data is aggregated and anonymised both for the private institution reporting and also for the publicised global usage reports. This data is stored and secured using managed cloud services. All of Lean Library’s cloud services and infrastructure are separate from the publishing arms of the SAGE Publishing group of companies and are managed entirely by the Lean Library team.

Lean Library was acquired by the SAGE Publishing Group in 2019. As part of the Technology from SAGE division, it is managed as a separate business unit from the publishing arm of SAGE, whilst benefiting from the financial stability and continuity of SAGE’s private ownership and long-term view.

Please click here to read more...