Everything you need to know about eBooks is explained in this holistic guide to a new world of reading-from selection and curation of an eBook collection to training and support for staff and patrons.

EBooks are a must for today’s libraries, making this introduction indispensable for those who have yet to delve into the ever-expanding universe of downloadable material. This crash course is an easy-to-use, hands-on approach that will simplify the decision and implementation processes. It introduces you to eBooks and eReading and covers the many issues surrounding eBooks in circulating libraries including technology, acquisition, and training.

You’ll learn how to launch a program, what to buy, how to let your public know you’ve added eBooks to your collection, and how to circulate the materials. The guide will also help you with decisions like vendor selection, how many eBooks to purchase, which delivery platforms to employ, how best to offer access, and licensing agreements. Chapters can be consulted as stand-alone overviews of key areas, or the book can be used as a source of holistic instruction. While it will be especially useful to small or rural circulating libraries, including public libraries, school libraries, and specialty libraries that may have a small staff responsible for all aspects of library service, tips on things like promoting an eBook collection are pertinent to enhancing any collection.

Provides an all-encompassing exploration of eBooks that covers everything from creation to consumption to choosing vendors

Reviews various selection criteria for eBooks that can be customized to meet the needs of your library and community

Explains how to let the public know eBooks are available in your collection

Shares ideas and discusses issues surrounding circulation of eBooks

Offers an in-depth review of the roles of all key stakeholders including creators, publishers, libraries, vendors, and customers