A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk E-books 2003: research and development Penny Garrod UKOLN University of Bath Bath, BA2 7AY URL UKOLN is supported by:

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 2 Contents 1.Issues for libraries – a brief overview 2.Models for ebooks in libraries 3.Comparison of findings: UK research and netLibrary user group (users in Europe & South Africa) 4.Lessons from Australia and the USA 5.netLibrary services: services to European libraries 6.Ebooks in academic and public libraries 7.Alternative resources and models 8.Conclusions

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 3 Ongoing issues for libraries (1)  Content:US bias- limited European/global content  Models for libraries:ebook supplier preferred option  benefits to libraries and end-users? Critical mass not yet reached – limited usage statistics/feedback  impact on print collections?  staff training requirements  collection development policies  integrating ebooks: MARC records;OPACs  promotion/marketing (community profiling)  quality management issues  Pricing and access issues: single user restrictions etc.  Limited international rights re content (US titles)

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 4 Ongoing issues for libraries (2) Hardware  PCs/Laptops  PDAs (handheld devices) e.g Palm; iPAC  Ebook readers e.g. REB1100/1200; Franklin ebookman Software  Microsoft reader  Adobe ebook reader  Mobipocket and others for PDAs E-content  many publishers producing content in various formats for different platforms  limited choice of titles

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 5 Key players Publishing industry (complex; numerous players; traditional) Digital Rights Management (IPR/copyright/user authentication) safeguard profits from printed materials Customer focus: end-users not libraries Libraries (various sectors) Readers/ end users Aim to enhance existing services Exploit online environment-24/7 + remote access want cost-effective, sustainable models What can ebooks offer? Are charges payable? Do ebooks meet their needs? Are they exciting and easy to use?

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 6 Ranganathan’s five laws of library science (revisited) 1.Books are for use 2.Every reader his book 3.Every book its reader 4.Save the time of the reader 5.A library is a growing organism

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 7 Models for ebooks in libraries  Ebooks that are available on the Web with access via PCs and laptops  Ebook suppliers/aggregators - currently best option for libraries (netLibrary; ebrary; Safari Technology)  Mixed model approach in some libraries (public) e.g. netLibrary, MP3 players/audio books, ebook devices for loan.  Purchase ebook reading devices (REB1100/1200); load with fiction titles e.g. genre (science fiction; romance; mystery) – Public Libraries

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 8 Comparison of findings: UK research & netLibrary user group Resource ebook survey Loughborough University (March 2002)  “international copyright problems”  “lack of content for UK market”  “Content… too American in style..” & “not suitable for public libraries…wouldn’t really enhance our service ” netLibrary user group (set up Sept 2002; mostly UK academic users but other sectors/countries represented)  US only rights – selected titles not available to international customers  US bias re content  Simultaneous multi-user access model required (currently one title/one user model -netLibrary investigating but…)

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 9 Lessons from Australia: research into ebooks in USA libraries ebooks in Victorian Libraries. Findings from the USA (survey of academic & public libraries) Issues highlighted:  High speed Internet access required for optimum use  Disappointed with no simultaneous access [but… California State University has deal with netLibrary]  Some libraries loaning devices: content cannot be transferred between devices; borrower cannot use own device (e.g. PDA)  Few publishers exploring real potential of ebooks September 2001: Pam Saunders, Yarra Plenty Regional Library, Melbourne, Australia

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 10 Yarra Plenty Regional Library

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 11 netLibrary: services to European libraries User group: set up by OCLC/PICA Birmingham - September 2002  Mainly academic users; Public Libraries represented by Resource, Hampshire County Council & UKOLN  Committee representative of main sectors; 1 member from Denmark (Aalborg University)  netLibrary negotiate improvements with individual publishers on behalf of the user group  progress reports at user group meetings e.g. Rich Rosy, Vice-President on 3 Dec 2002  discussion list set up; website in progress  netLibrary interested in expanding European customer base.

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 12 Ebooks in academic libraries Academic libraries  large client group - attractive to ebook suppliers & publishers  easier to meet needs of students: core curriculum & reading lists; good IT and Internet access on campus; reference books & set texts; short loan  e-journals well established - ebooks are a natural progression  content is available: computing; business studies; medicine; reference texts etc.  Functionality suits student use; 24x7 access

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 13 Ebooks in Public Libraries  Usage not guaranteed  Project funding for small pilots - long term funding not assured  Demographics: numerous local authorities serving diverse populations  Try to emulate book lending model by purchasing & loaning e-reading devices loaded with fiction titles  Access to Internet: available via PCs in library; fiction not suitable for PCs? Reference materials are more appropriate  In UK (and elsewhere) focus on services to specific communities e.g. lower income groups; housebound; disabled; children – need to find model to meet their needs

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 14 Alternative resources & models Free ebooks: many libraries offering ebook services provide link to free ebook resources e.g. LB Richmond links to Australian site:   classics/out of copyright literature;  Best free digital libraries e.g. Project Gutenberg:  Internet Public Library (USA) Lending library model: Ozebooks.com (Australia) aimed at rural communities; reading disabilities; PC or handheld device using Mobipocket software…

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 15 Australia: ebooks lending library

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 16 Conclusions 1.ebook suppliers currently offer best model for libraries e.g. netLibrary is main contender involving users and developing new global markets; continually adding new content;receptive to notion of alternative access models But…expensive; single user access; US bias + restrictions on content; fiction limited to out of copyright Ebrary: wants to expand client base; UK academic libraries have rejected (irrelevant content/cost) 2.Complex, fast moving environment. Users will be ultimate determinant of success. Right product, right price, right time. Must be promoted/marketed.

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 17 London Borough of Richmond, UK: netLibrary personalised login

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 18 Barnes & Noble:ebooks

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 19 State Library of Queensland, Australia