Oh the possibilities: ebook lending and interlibrary loan

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the impact on interlibrary loans presented by electronic books, and to provide a starting point for discussion.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the advantages and challenges to interlibrary loans presented by electronic books and recommend a course of action for the academic library community.

Findings

The model of providing content in electronic book format threatens one of the oldest traditions in libraries: the tradition of sharing. Now libraries must take it upon themselves to create technologies that support their tradition of sharing while accounting for the uniqueness of ebooks.

Originality/value

This paper aims to initiate a discussion and brainstorming process within libraries which can honor the tradition of interlibrary loans by applying it to electronic books.

Citation

Litsey, R. and Ketner, K. (2013), "Oh the possibilities: ebook lending and interlibrary loan", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 41 No. 4, pp. 120-121. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILDS-09-2013-0027