A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk E-books in UK Public Libraries…the story so far 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.The key players 2.Ebooks in public libraries – the early years 3.Ebooks in public libraries - current situation 4.Whos doing what in public libraries? 5.Models for ebooks in public libraries 6.Ongoing issues for libraries 7.Ebooks in academic libraries: brief overview 8.Alternative resources and models

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 3 Ebooks: the key players Publishers [intermediaries: aggregators & ebook suppliers ] -Retail model: control use & safeguard profits (Digital Rights Management) -Focus on end-users not libraries – role for ebook suppliers Libraries (various sectors) Readers/ end users Aim to enhance existing services Exploit online environment-24/7 + remote access seek 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 4 Ebooks: the early years Focus on dedicated devices -Devices synonymous with ebooks -Rocket eBook readers – tried by Blackburn with Darwen -Pilot study: Loughborough University & Market Harborough public library using 8 x Rocket eBook readers Resource funded survey: Loughboro looked at ebook provision in UK public libraries (March 2002) – very little activity -Why? Publishers able to control content easier than on PCs or PDAs -Simulates book/reading experience

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 5 Ebooks: current situation Collapse of dot.coms; cooling off period; poor sales; survival of the fittest Aggregators – starting to take an interest in public libraries: OCLC acquires netLibrary; user group for UK/Europe set up in 2002: public libraries represented Ebrary: offers different funding/access model 2003: several projects to pilot ebook services: await outcome as results will influence future activities Format wars: leaders emerging: Microsoft Reader (ClearType) and Adobe Acrobat e-Reader for PCs

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 6 Ebooks in Public Libraries Usage not guaranteed Mostly project funded small pilots Demographics: numerous local authorities serving diverse populations: consortia/regional purchasing may offer solution Trend towards emulating lending model e.g. purchase & loan reading devices loaded with fiction titles Peoples Network: fiction not suitable for use with PCs - reference materials are more appropriate In UK (and elsewhere) services for specific communities e.g. housebound and rural communities, disabled people and children; can ebook models meet the needs of various communities?

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 7 Ebooks: whos doing what in public libraries? Project funded pilots and feasibility studies: testing the water Mixed model approach – helps spread the risk; evidence-based; find out what works and whats feasible for public libraries LB Richmond: Peoples Network Excellence fund: audio + netLibrary +Safari (PC based) Co-East + Loughboro Uni + Essex libraries (Laser Foundation): ebrary (PC-based) + Palm pilot devices using Overdrive.com Blackburn with Darwen: PN Excellence fund:purchased 40 x iPAQ PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) – negotiating with Overdrive to supply content in MS format

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 8 Ongoing issues for libraries (1) Content:US bias- limited European/global content Models for libraries:ebook supplier - preferred option for academic libraries 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 9 Ongoing issues for libraries (2) Hardware: what do users prefer? Future trends? Targeting specific groups etc. PCs/Laptops (Microsoft Tablet PC?) PDAs (handheld devices) e.g Palm; iPAQ Dedicated ebook readers Music/audio players Software Microsoft reader Adobe ebook reader Mobipocket, Palm etc. for PDAs E-content Restrictions- publishers produce content in various formats for different platforms limited choice/access (US bias)

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 10 netLibrary in the UK User group: for UK/Europe/S. Africa 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 discussion list and website for users netLibrary interested in expanding European customer base.

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 11 netLibrary User Group: UK, Europe and South Africa

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 12 netLibrary ebooks at Richmond

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 13

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 14 Ebooks in academic libraries Academic libraries large client group - attractive to ebook suppliers, aggregators & 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; anyplace/anytime

A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 15 Other 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: e.g. 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 16 Conclusions 1.ebook suppliers/aggregators offer tailored model for libraries e.g. netLibrary is current 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: expanding client base; simultaneous multi- user access model 2.Complex, fast moving environment. Users will be ultimate determinant of success. Right product, right price, right time. Must be promoted/marketed.