eBook Strategy
ALCTS ASeBook Workflows: Selection to AccessJune 28, 2008
Carolyn Morris, Director New Business DevelopmentCoutts Information [email protected]
“Most strategies are built on specific beliefs about the future. Unfortunately, the future is deeply unpredictable.”
Michael E. RaynorThe Strategy Paradox
Do Nothing
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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
SciencesReference
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, 2007http://spaceagelibrarian.blogspot.com/
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?