eBook Strategy

ALCTS ASeBook Workflows: Selection to AccessJune 28, 2008

Carolyn Morris, Director New Business DevelopmentCoutts Information Servicescmorris@couttsinfo.com

“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?