Ebook Resource Sharing Models: Borrow, Buy, or Rent

Abstract

Libraries are purchasing access to increasing numbers of electronic resources, which has brought to the forefront many issues regarding the interlibrary lending of electronic books. The three predominantly accepted models for providing access to ebooks include borrowing, buying, and renting. Libraries have used these models in many ways to provide access to electronic content. Options for addressing barriers for ebook resource sharing include reviewing local license agreements for ebooks, gathering information on customer preferences, providing feedback to vendors and licensing librarians on customer needs, and evaluating ebook borrowing, buying, and renting options to identify which options best meets the needs of customers.

KEYWORDS:

• electronic books
• interlibrary loan
• demand-driven acquisition
• library consortium
• purchase on demand
• ILLiad