eBooks in Libraries

I researched eBooks and their place in the library.

Littman, J. & Connaway, L .S. (2004). A circulation analysis of print books and e-books in an academic research library. Library Resources & Technical Services, 48(4), 256-262.

Researchers studied Duke University between the first e-book MARC record being added to library and August 2002 (first records added February 2001; average study period of 16 months). Results of study:
• 7880 titles total in both print and e-books.
• 3,158 e-books accessed
• 2,799 print titles circulated (not counting in-library use)
• 1,688 for both (39%)
• 1,484 e-books accessed but not print (34%)
• 1,125 print titles circulated but not e-books (27%)
• 3,597 titles unused
E-books received 11% more usages than print books. The researchers concluded that e-books can be a valuable resource in libraries. The topics accessed correspond with print books (the same titles and topics were as popular in e-book format as print format). They conclude that e-books may become more popular as their format becomes more wide-spread. They found some evidence that some patrons may like to use e-books for quick reference and print for more extensive reading (though this is not always the case). Also, some patrons may be using e-books to “sample” material prior to acquiring print book. The article also suggests that it would be wise to purchase e-books for heavily used books.

Bedord, J. (2009). Ebooks hit critical mass. Online (33)3, 14-18.

Ebooks are a growing trend due to significant improvements in content and hardware and more open public. Kindles and readers are improving their readability (screen resolution, battery life, etc). Obvious benefits of ebooks include:
• Can convert more easily to audio (though it would be in computer voice)
• Visually-impaired patrons can easily convert font to larger text
• Lower price
• Ebooks can be accessed by multiple users in libraries
• No overdue charges
• Ebooks can be accessed 24/7 through website
• Ebooks are mobile
• Patrons who are in remote areas can access library collection
• Ebooks cannot be lost by misshelving

Ebooks have seen success due to the growth in number of titles available and better access to ebooks. However, availability of titles is still spotty (obviously most books are still in print format). Ebooks have often been available on separate sections of library websites – initially, patrons were not aware if the books they were searching for were in ebook format. The popularity of aggregators on phones will probably lead the expansion of the ebook, and this format (application on phone) is currently the most popular way to access books.