E-Book versus Print

Abstract

The article discusses the results of a study comparing cost and usage of electronic books and print books in public libraries. The findings that electronic books represent a slightly lower cost for libraries than print books and that print books circulate at higher rates than e-books are examined, and a literature review of previous research on the topic of usage rates of print vs. electronic books is provided. Limitations imposed on e-book circulation by publishers are also touched on along with the growing popularity of e-books with library patrons.