Electronic books: their integration into library and information centers

Abstract

Purpose To highlight the salient features of e‐books, challenges that arise in integrating e‐books into library and information centers (LICs), e‐books business models and licensing, and future of e‐books. Design/methodology/approach Discusses the emergence of e‐books and a comprehensive definition for them. Lists various implementations of e‐books, their advantages and disadvantages in LICs and compares select e‐book reader hardware and software with their specifications, requirements and characteristics. Findings Examines several issues to integrate e‐books into LICs to find workable solutions based on identification, selection, circulation, maintenance, quality assurance, pricing, fair use, standards and interoperability, business models and licensing. Research limitations/implications E‐books are a new convergence of various traditional works and functions based on the application of new information technology. Practical implications The issues causing concerns to users and LICs can be sought by collaborating with industry to ensure LICs play a continuous role in communication information and act as repositories of knowledge, for the benefit of society. Originality/value This paper offers practical solutions for LICs in integrating e‐books in their collection.