Selecting and Acquiring eBooks: So Many Choices, So Many Processes

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the purchase models being offered by some academic library electronic book (eBook) vendors. This article discusses appropriate collection development and acquisitions processes for the various purchase models. netLibrary offers two primary purchase models. ebrary CEO Christopher Warnock asserts that the vendor offers much than just eBooks. EBook Library has worked closely with librarians and publishers in hopes of creating eBook products and services that improve upon those offered by existing vendors. Knovel, Safari and Books 24x7 have cultivated eBook collections that tend to have a narrow but deep subject focus. There are also several eBook initiatives in the humanities. In reality, eBooks are often released to eBook vendors after the print counterpart has been published. A growing trend among eBook vendors is to offer eBooks as part of mixed-format databases of electronic content. Libraries have realized significant cost savings by participating in consortial eBook purchases. As the eBook marketplace continues to evolve, librarians will have to continue to refine selection and acquisitions processes and take advantage of tools that can help streamline these processes.