After reading Acquiring Text e-books (Morris, C. & Seibert, L 2010) I am taking some time to reflect upon what I have engaged with…. And it is safe to say that my brain officially hurts. E-book acquisitions is a hard business to comprehend. As comprehensive as Morris & Seibert were, I am more overwhelmed than when before I read their chapter, from No Shelf Required: Ebooks for Libraries. It is obvious,to me, that there are so many options available for libraries to acquire e-Books into their collections and how can one know what is best for their library and budget? It would be impossible to try all possibilities before settling on the best fit, because there may be another alternative just around the corner.
While there are vast options to include e-Books into library collections there is no doubt that they add value and diversity for the users. E-books are valid resources for any library, however, it is probably important to consider them to be different to their ‘dead tree’ counterparts. Based on the complexities outlined, by Morris & Seibert, on account of the diversity of purchasing option, it is important to for the librarian to consider a separate purchasing policy for e-Books. It would also be of benefit for the TL to research their options.
I have to admit that the school I am at is a part of the catholic system and the education office has put in the hard work already and have subscribed to a multi-user access model, Overdrive for e-books and audio books. As a part of this subscription TLs have access to request books to add to the collection and the office purchases them, in a fairly timely manner. I must admit, after reading this chapter I am very glad we have this acquisition model.
#scrambledbrain #alottothinkabout #ebookacquisition
References:
Morris, C. & Sibert, L. (2009). Acquiring e-books. In S. Polanka (ed.), No shelf required : E-books in libraries[ALA Editions version] (Chapter 6, pp. 95-124). Retrieved from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/lib/csuau/detail.action?docID=598919