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Ebooks and libraries - a missed opportunity to evolve? [ABSTRACT] Friday, 1st July 2011
By
Matthew Solle
Abstract:
Over the years, public libraries have successfully redefined themselves when new publishing media have arrived but Matthew Solle questions whether their approach to lending eBooks will jeopardise their future, and considers how further and higher education are tackling this issue.
Article:
Over the years, public libraries have successfully redefined themselves when new publishing media have arrived but Matthew Solle questions whether their approach to lending eBooks will jeopardise their future, and considers how further and higher education are tackling this issue.
What's Inside:
The rise of eReading devices, typified by the huge sales of Amazon’s Kindle platform in 2011, indicates a shift away from books being physical items to virtual ones. It means that, firstly, libraries may not be supplying reading material in the format that potential users prefer and, secondly, the wide range of out of copyright material provides a wealth of reading that means you might never step in a library again. Some public library services have started eLending services but with some odd restrictions, while the JISC eBooks project is supporting the acquisition of digital content for education and research in the UK.
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By Matthew Solle

Matthew Solle runs the small research and design agency Bright & Matt (http://brightandmatt.com/) and has recently worked with Lloyds, Amazon and The Guardian. Matthew is a key organiser of the London UX Community scene and has recently started the London IA Podcasts with Andrew Travers (http://london-ia.com/). Matthew blogs at youtheuser.com (http://youtheuser.com) and can be found on Twitter as @solle
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