1. Selection and acquisition of e-books in Irish institutes of technology librariesA study.
- Author
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Tedd, Lucy A. and Carin, Wanda
- Subjects
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ACQUISITION of electronic books by libraries , *ELECTRONIC books , *LIBRARIES , *TECHNICAL institutes , *LIBRARY acquisitions , *ACADEMIC library research , *LIBRARY acquisitions management , *UNIVERSITIES & colleges - Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on a study of the acquisition of e-books in libraries in institutes of technology (ITs) in Ireland undertaken in 2009. Design/methodology/approach – Web sites of the libraries of the 15 ITs were studied and this was followed by telephone interviews, using a structured set of questions, with the acquisition librarians. Tables are provided showing the e-book suppliers used, reasons for acquiring (and not acquiring) e-books, links with virtual learning environments and methods of promotion. Findings – Librarians from 12 of the 15 ITs agreed to be interviewed giving a response rate of 80 per cent. The ITs are using e-books from a wide variety of suppliers and teaching staff in the ITs had little, if any, involvement in the selection of e-book titles. Staff in the libraries find that business models for the acquisition of e-books causes difficulties. Most of the IT libraries were investigating a consortial arrangement for e-book acquisition. Better liaison with lecturers and improved promotion of e-books is necessary. Originality/value – The paper provides a baseline study of acquisition of e-books in one sector of a country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
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