E-books in academic libraries: Lessons learned and new challenges

Abstract

The breakout sessions were aimed at library staff with some experience of managing e-books, or anyone seeking an overview of issues being faced by libraries.We aimed to give a wide-ranging overview of the main issues associated with managing and administering e-book in libraries, looking at purchasing models, cataloguing and licensing issues, software tools (e.g. ERMS and link resolvers), and how staff are adapting. Through open discussion we also looked for examples of best practice and lessons that can be learned from e-journal management.Before the event we circulated an informal survey to delegates who had signed up to our breakout sessions, in order to find out more about current practices in libraries as well as the main topics attendees would like to see addressed. We then incorporated the results of that survey into our presentation.