E-Books: Problems and Challenges in Collection Development in Libraries

摘要

Purpose: The study is to identify different models available with different well-known publishers and derive a solution to achieve the optimum utilization of e-books by the stakeholders, It highlights the practical considerations to be made at the time of choosing an e-book package for a library. Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions and purchasing options vary considerably from publisher to publisher. The landscape of e-book publishing is rapidly changing, which warrants complicated purchasing decisions.Methodology: Data are collected from nine publishers for the comparison of different models available, DRM policy, usability, compatibility, and accessibility features. A comparative study has been presented to show the different features available, which may be useful for library professionals during the collection development process of the e-book and making purchasing decisions for e-book best suited to their library.Findings: Finally, it is found that purchasing options. Digital Rights Management, accessibility, usage restriction options vary considerably from publisher to publisher.Originality: The outcome of the study would be useful for library professionals while planning for collection development and procurement of the e-book; Purchasing decisions can also be properly addressedfor e-books best suited to their library.