When Amazon announced today that the Kindle would soon be getting library eBooks, it actually raised more questions than it answered. Fortunately I have a contact with Overdrive, and he has answered a few of my questions.

The Kindle service will be  available only in the US, just like the eBook sharing, apps, or any other Kindle extras. Overdrive is more than capable of providing this service around the world, but Amazon said no.

And it will be Overdrive providing the service, not Amazon. Also, this service will be part of the general library service, which means that any existing collection of downloadable eBooks will be available to Kindle customers. Any new eBooks bought from Overdrive will also be available for the Kindle and Kindle reading apps. Libraries won’t have to purchase eBooks a second time.

If you want your eBooks to be lent on the Kindle, you’ll need to sign with Overdrive.  Unfortunately, this means all existing contracts (like the HarperCollins 26 checkout limit) will also apply to kindle eBooks.

Update: Overdrive has posted this info on its blog.