Issues related to the adoption of e-books in academic libraries: a literature review

  • Michelle Kahn University of Cape Town
Keywords: E-books, academic libraries, South Africa, collection management

Abstract

While e-journals have successfully be integrated into library collections, the same cannot be said about e-books. In this paper, the obstacles to e-book adoption in academic libraries is discussed using a review of the English-language literature published over the period 2007 to 2013. Issues identified are the changing roles of libraries in the digital age; collection development strategies; complex e-book purchase models offered to libraries; questions of copyright, licensing and digital rights management; format considerations; and availability of hardware and software on which to read e-books. Libraries continue to face these challenges today.

Author Biography

Michelle Kahn, University of Cape Town
Lecturer, Library and Information Studies Centre

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Published
2014-01-26
Section
Research Articles