“The market for e-books and digital content is continually evolving and adapting, while simultaneously becoming increasingly global in terms of its interdependence and reach. Whilst many determinants of this evolving and decentralised information environment are beyond the control of any one actor, institution or organisation – there is significant scope for libraries to act as the architects of their own future by learning from the diverse spectrum of international e-lending experiences and practices to evaluate which models (and their components) deliver the best outcomes for library users. These e-lending business models include:
- Library-managed platforms for hosting owned digital content
- Library-managed platforms for aggregating multiple sources of licensed digital content
- Third party platforms which offer either of the two services above
- Library-led licensing arrangements with publishers, authors or aggregators (either through consortia or on an individual library system basis)
This research project will seek to produce a comparative analysis of different national/regional e-lending business models to identify key environmental, political, cultural, financial and logistical factors which are capable of fostering sustainable approaches to supporting e-lending and public access to digital content. It will endeavour to map a number of actors and initiatives across the international e-lending landscape as well as the common barriers which may restrict the future development of effective e-lending business models.
Whilst the resulting report will necessarily approach the e-lending landscape from a library standpoint, it will also attempt to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of each approach from the perspective of library users, publishers and authors – given that any viable long-term solutions in this space must effectively address the holistic concerns of all stakeholders.”
URL : A Review of Public Library E – Lending Models
Alternative URL : http://stichting.bibliotheek.nl/content/dam/landelijk/stichting/bestanden/Rapporten-Public-Library-e-Lending-Models.pdf