e-Books from EBSCO: A Natural Fit

Citation

Walden, R.C. (2006), "e-Books from EBSCO: A Natural Fit", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 23 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/lhtn.2006.23923eae.001

e-Books from EBSCO: A Natural Fit

In the information services industry, one technological feat begets another. What begins with a low rumbling on the listservs is followed by slightly louder murmurs along the conference circuit, and before you know it, there are myriad content models and technologies for vendors and librarians to evaluate. In the case of eBooks, the curiosity and hype are well-justified.

What are eBooks?

Simply stated, eBooks are digital editions of print titles. eBook formats can include textbooks, monographs, atlases, handbooks, major reference works and more. They may be purchased in bundles or on a title-by-title basis and are sold through various distribution channels, including subscription agents, book jobbers and publishers.

As patron demands for remote access to immediate content have grown stronger, the industry has responded with a proliferation of databases, e-journals and now eBooks. Large volume orders for such in-demand e-content have catapulted to the top of many library acquisition lists.

Alas it is no surprise that the "fast and now" attitude of the majority of today's patrons, dependent on Google-like search functionality as a primary means for obtaining research information, have started sidestepping the print stacks.

Enter eBooks. Stored on a digital shelf – either the publisher's eBook platform (Springer's eBook Collection accessed via SpringerLink, for example) or the library's OPAC – eBooks are immediately accessible to patrons for reading, saving, printing or downloading. Researchers enjoy the convenience of portability and accessibility from individual PCs, laptops or handheld devices. STM content is particularly suitable for eBooks since it is time-critical, typically reference in nature and, therefore, generally short enough to read online.

Compared to their print counterparts, eBooks offer libraries many benefits including the elimination of manual and physical processing, the expansion of material accessibility, availability and usage, saved shelf space, no risk of damage or theft and more. Libraries are also able to receive MARC records and COUNTER-compliant usage statistics to streamline the administrative and evaluative processes associated with providing access to eBooks.

Why EBSCO?

The model of eBooks is following the model of e-journals. eBook packages are being sold primarily via annual subscription or annual lease. Further, publishers are bundling their eBook and e-journal content into one combined interface. As one of the world's largest full-service subscription agents with a long-standing track record of success in managing e-journals and e-journal packages, EBSCO is well-positioned to streamline the acquisition process for eBooks. Top-tier publishers recognize EBSCO's value and reliability in this area and have sought its expertise in handling their eBook packages.

Through EBSCO, libraries may order customized, full or fixed subject collections based on the needs of their institution, while receiving the benefits of consolidated ordering, payment and claiming. EBSCO is currently collecting book metadata to add to both the EBSCOhost1 and EBSCO A-to-Z1 knowledge bases, which will enable cross-platform searching and linking. As a result, end users will be able to access e-journal and chapter-level eBook content simultaneously. eBook subscription information will also be integrated into EBSCO's collection development management reports and invoices, further streamlining the administrative aspect of managing this new content format.

EBSCO is working exclusively with publishers who are offering eBook collections or packages. It is not positioning itself to compete with aggregators who specialize only in title-by-title eBook access. EBSCO currently offers eBooks in various bundle and access models from Springer, Taylor & Francis, Cambridge University Press, Wiley InterScience and Pan American Health Organization.

Working closely with Springer, EBSCO is offering the Springer eBook Collection, which is comprised of 12 subject-focused Online Libraries that may be purchased à la carte or in total. The Springer eBook Collection is offered as an ownership model with full archiving rights. Discounted pricing is available.

EBSCO has also partnered with Taylor & Francis to sell the Taylor & Francis eCollections, which consists of ten subject-specific eBook packages concentrated in the Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines. Additionally, EBSCO offers 24 subject-specific eBook packages from Taylor & Francis. Package customization is available. Discounted pricing is available.

Through its partnership with Cambridge University Press, EBSCO is selling two humanities-based eBook packages and one digital archive, offered on annual lease. Discounted pricing is available.

EBSCO has also partnered with Wiley InterScience to sell Wiley's OnlineBooks™, spanning 14 subject-specific collections of business, humanities and STM titles. Wiley OnlineBooks are offered as an ownership model or via annual lease.

Working with the Pan American Health Organization, EBSCO is also offering the Pan American Health Organization E-Collection, an eBook package consisting of 12 core health titles, available via annual subscription. Discounted pricing is available.

eBooks combine the valued properties of e-journals and databases with administrative simplicity. For more information, visit www.ebsco.com

Rebecca C. WaldenEBSCO Information Services