Oh the possibilities: ebook lending and interlibrary loan

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the impact on interlibrary loans presented by electronic books, and to provide a starting point for discussion. Design/methodology/approach – The authors review the advantages and challenges to interlibrary loans presented by electronic books and recommend a course of action for the academic library community. Findings – The model of providing content in electronic book format threatens one of the oldest traditions in libraries: the tradition of sharing. Now libraries must take it upon themselves to create technologies that support their tradition of sharing while accounting for the uniqueness of ebooks. Originality/value – This paper aims to initiate a discussion and brainstorming process within libraries which can honor the tradition of interlibrary loans by applying it to electronic books.