1. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk E-books: do they belong in Public Libraries? Internet Librarian International 2003 NEC Birmingham, UK Penny Garrod UKOLN University of Bath Bath, BA2 7AY Email p.garrod@ukoln.ac.uk URL http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/ UKOLN is supported by:

2. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 2 UKOLN national focus of expertise in digital information management based at the University of Bath funded by: JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee: Higher & Further Education sector); Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries plus project funding (e.g. EU and JISC) around 27 staff carries out applied research (e.g. in metadata), software development and provides policy and advisory services

3. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 3 Contents 1.Issues for libraries – a brief overview 2.Models for ebooks in public libraries (global approaches) 3.Ebooks in UK public libraries 4.Recent developments: netLibrary user group (Europe & South Africa) 5.Alternative models 6.Conclusions

4. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 4 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)

5. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 5 Ongoing issues for libraries (2) Hardware PCs/Laptops PDAs (handheld devices) e.g Palm; iPAQ 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

6. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 6 Models for ebooks in public libraries (global approaches) Ebooks that are available on the Web with access via PCs and laptops Ebook suppliers/aggregators is currently the best option for libraries e.g. netLibrary; ebrary; Safari Technology Mixed model approach in some libraries 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); loan device+content to readers.

7. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 7 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

8. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 8 ebooks in UK 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

9. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 9 London Borough of Richmond new ebooks services: www.richmond.gov.uk

10. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 10 London Borough of Richmond, UK: netLibrary personalised login

11. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 11 netLibrary developments in Europe 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 Email discussion list set up; website in progress netLibrary interested in expanding European customer base.

12. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 12 OCLC netLibrary user group

13. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 13 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…wouldnt really enhance our service netLibrary user group 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…)

14. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 14 Alternative models Free ebooks: many libraries provide webpage with links to free ebooks e.g. LB Richmond provides link to Australian free ebooks site: www.e-book.com.au/freebooks.htm classics/out of copyright literature; Best free digital libraries e.g. Project Gutenberg: www.gutenberg.net www.gutenberg.net Internet Public Library (USA) www.ipl.org/reading/books www.ipl.org/reading/books Lending library model: www.libwise.com/ozebooks/www.libwise.com/ozebooks/ (Australia): aimed at rural communities & people with reading disabilities; via PC or handheld device using Mobipocket software…

15. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 15 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.