Another point to consider is how to integrate e-book technology into your library. Because they are device-dependent, it’s not so easy to integrate e-books. For instance, not only does the individual e-book have to be catalogued but the e-book reader does too. Similarly, you must keep track of which items have been checked out on which readers. And policies for use must be determined. How long will devices circulate? How many e-books can patrons check out at one time? Will you have different loan periods for e-book users, or will they remain the same?
Some Conclusions
E-books:
- Allow you to add dozens? hundreds? of new titles to your library collection without taking up any shelf space
- Are new and on the cutting edge; your patrons may enjoy the novelty and the convenience
- May be best suited to academic libraries
- Seem to be best for particular types of material such as textbooks, reference materials, and high-demand titles
- Require some thoughtful consideration as to which e-book reader or format to go with, and exactly how they will be integrated into the library’s collection
Other libraries are doing it. Is it the right time for yours? I hope this article helps you at least a little with answering that question.
Further Reading . . .
Lessons Learned from Electronic Book 2000 Conference, Susan Gibbons. Librarian's EBook Newsletter, October 2000.
E-Books -- An Introduction, Laurie Tarto. Canada Law Book, September 28.
Integrating E-Books Into Your Library, Laurie Tarto. Canada Law Book, November 16.
The Emerging Role of E-Books, Roy Tennant. LJ Digital, August 1, 2000.
The Shy Librarian: Ten Best Articles about eBooks and ePublishing
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