The first Espresso Book Machine (EBM) was recently launched at Angus & Robertson (A&R) bookstore, Bourke Street in Melbourne, Australia. This machine, dubbed as an "ATM for books" can print and bind a paperback book at the press of a button. It is the first in-store print-on-demand book in Australia to be installed in a retail environment.
Angus & Robertson's launch is collaborated with Central Books Services, the Australian book wholesaler and supplier of the Espresso Book Machine in Australia, and On Demand Books. A&R is the first Australian book chain to use what Time Magazine has referred to as an "ATM for Books." EBM will be marketed in-store as "The StoryMaker."
People Behind EBM: Jeff March, Epstein and Neller
The company behind Espresso Book Machine is On Demand Books, founded by book editor Jason Epstein and Dane Neller. The technology, however, was developed some eight years ago by Jeff March, technology advisor for New York City-based ODB (ondemandbooks.com).
Espresso Book Machine (EBM)
The Espresso Book Machine holds a huge digital library in its memory, especially out-of-print titles. In less than ten minutes it can simultaneously print, align, mill, glue and bind not one, but two books. It also includes full-color laminated covers. EBM can print in any language and accommodates right-to-left texts by putting the spine on the right.
Espresso Book Machine customers can walk up to this photocopier-sized system, order their book and the print perfect bound book is ready.
Espresso Book Machine Recognition
In 2007, Time Magazine named Espresso Book Machine as one of the “Best Inventions of the Year”. It takes few minutes to print and bind a paperback book and is expected to increase the range of books previously unavailable to the reading public. Many out of print books will be made accessible, along with range of books physically impossible to be carried in a book store.
EBM and Australia's Angus & Robertson
According to Angus & Robertson Managing Director, David Fenlon, “Authors, publishers and distributors will work with Angus & Robertson to explore how the Espresso Book Machine can enhance the availability of books for our customers.”
Currently, there are more Australian books out of print. Using the Espresso Book Machine will offer opportunities for authors and writers to have their books back in production. It would be a big day for book lovers, when the print-on-demand from EBM will cost the same or perhaps less than the shelf price of one paperback.
