2017 Charleston Library Conference

Probably more than any technology, digital formats have changed the nature of libraries, expanding opportunities for technology advancements and affecting user behaviors. Many lessons have been learned with how eBooks are acquired, licensed by libraries and used worldwide. Libraries are shifting their focus on collections and management, becoming more aware of their community’s mobility, opportunity to read and seek information from many locales, modes and devices. A known and growing commodity, eBooks will only increase their presence and availability.

This session will be a “speed-dating-esque” program led by a librarian, a consortium leader and a publisher’s representative. Each speaker will have 90 seconds to address a topical list developed by the audience at the start of the session. This highly interactive and collaborative discussion will address pros and cons and allow participants the opportunity to shape this unconference approach to future-thinking about eBook trends:

• Speed Dating Round 1: Acquisitions Pros and Cons
o scholarly vs trade content; fiction vs non-fiction
o free vs fee; own vs lease
o pricing comparisons to other formats
o format duplication among library holdings
• Speed Dating Round 2: Platform Pros and Cons
o platform preferences
o concurrent readers
o mobile device optimization
o role of DRM
o on-demand reading
• Second Date: Shifting Collections Strategies
o eBooks as textbooks
o library and college affordability initiatives
o collaborative collection building
o data-driven decision making
o user experience/engagement

Takeaways include highlighting the new and ongoing trends and developments of eBooks. What role is there for libraries and consortia to shape future business models? What initiatives will publishers take? How dependent will both parties be on third-party providers? Come participate in what promises to be a lively and provocative discussion.