eBook Strategy ALCTS AS eBook Workflows: Selection to Access June 28, 2008 Carolyn Morris, Director New Business Development Coutts Information Services

“Most strategies are built on specific beliefs about the future. Unfortunately, the future is deeply unpredictable.” Michael E. Raynor The Strategy Paradox

Do Nothing

Share highlights and notes Search across multiple books, notes, figures Click for references Organize and customize material Copy, print, or export to other applications Faculty overlays Create study groups Does anyone understand why in chapter 1 the figures are all referencing a “judgment layer?” I don’t see reference anywhere in the text to that notion!! Help!...Chapter 1

Form a Committee

Perpetual access publisher packages Subscription based subject packages Individual titles Front list Back list Humanities Sciences Reference Single or multi-user eBooks are not just another binding

Purchase Directly from the Publisher

Pros and Cons: publisher no middle man aggregation with journal content packages usually significantly discounted in relation to print numerous licenses numerous invoices marc records title by title not all have platforms multiple search silos limited collection development support

Purchase from a Subscription Agent

Pros and Cons: agent aggregate eBooks with other eContent familiar face to eResources librarian content? title by title? provide collection development support? marc records? coordinate print and e? ownership or subscription? multiple licenses?

Purchase from an eBook Aggregator

Pros and Cons: aggregator single search silo for eBooks title by title selection packages patron driven collection development support MARC records one license fewer invoices separate eBooks from journal content some content not available can’t supply print and e in combination can’t manage print and e integration

Purchase from Library’s Approval Book Vendor

Pros and Cons: book vendor partner with publishers and aggregators coordinate e and print acquisitions maintain current workflows enable title by title acquisition superior collection development support MARC records partnerships can fall apart middleman or two vendor may not distribute eBook aggregator of choice

eBook not print acquisition should drive the workflow Issues are more complex and stakes are higher Unlike print, availability of content is not relatively equal eBook functionality varies by source eBooks don’t live on library shelves Technology will continue to evolve Here today gone tomorrow

Assessing eBook Providers

A&I Database Or Search Engine RESEARCHER Library Catalogue Records eBooks Journals Where can we get most desired content on one platform?

“And on a practical level, putting money into building up a book collection in proprietary formats worries me more than ever. The iPod got away with it in part because it was introduced six years ago. I think the tide is turning away from proprietary formats and closed systems-- just look at Apple's unsuccessful attempt to keep the iPhone closed.” September 14, Are there issues with proprietary formats or readers?

Is the vendor shaping the digital future or reacting to it?

Other considerations Is the vendor financially stable? Do the license terms secure best access for patrons? Cost? MARC records? Usage statistics? Does the vendor make a good partner?