The survey was conducted as part of HighWire's ongoing exploration of the fast-growing scholarly ebook market. The results and accompanying analysis draw together the input of 138 librarians from 13 countries. The responses underscore the significant growth librarians expect in ebook acquisitions and point to their current preferences and possible trends in this evolving area.
The survey data was analyzed by Michael Newman, Stanford University’s Head Biology Librarian, and the report presents his perspective on what his librarian colleagues had to say about ebooks
+ Simplicity and ease of use seem more important than sophisticated end-user features. ? Users tend to discover ebooks through both the library catalog and search engines. ? While users prefer PDFs, format preference will likely change as technology changes. ? DRM seems to hinder ebook use for library patrons; ability to print is essential.
+ Users tend to discover ebooks through both the library catalog and search engines.
+ While users prefer PDFs, format preference will likely change as technology changes.
+ DRM seems to hinder ebook use for library patrons; ability to print is essential.
+ The most popular business model for librarians is purchase with perpetual access.
HighWire is also conducting one-on-one interviews with students and faculty to determine their needs and expectations. Through a series of interviews, surveys and data collection activities throughout 2010, HighWire will continue to help their scholarly publisher customers understand the evolving needs of libraries and individual readers.
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