eBooks : a pre-implementation study for the University of Malta Library

Abstract

eBooks are becoming an increasingly significant electronic resource for academic libraries. Based on the fact that the collection management process of eBooks is complex, the aim of this dissertation was to carry out a pre-implementation study for the University of Malta Library (UoML) on collection management issues surrounding eBooks. To address this aim, four objectives were constructed. The objectives sought to explore the range of eBook suppliers for the academic library market, investigate the selection and acquisition process of eBooks, identify the diverse modes of access that the UoML is willing to exploit in order to enhance discoverability and visibility of the eBook collection, and establish the promotional techniques that the UoML is planning to adopt so as to ensure a satisfactory level of usage. A qualitative case study approach was employed for this study. An interview schedule was devised on three broad themes that emerged from the literature and which fall within the parameters of this research. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with three key UoML staff, each with different roles and expertise. The librarians offered their perspectives on the introduction of eBooks and how the collection management activities can be executed. Overall, the primary findings confirmed the literature as well as offered additional insights. The results showed that the UoML is planning to pilot test the introduction of eBooks for the medical sciences rather than acquiring eBooks across various disciplines. Moreover, it is considering acquiring eBook content from both publishers and aggregators. The most preferred business models are perpetual ownership and subscriptions. The UoML is willing to negotiate various licensing terms and conditions, and points out that long-term access and preservation of eBooks should be a standard condition within the license agreements. Furthermore, the UoML is planning to employ a multiple access approach. However, the results revealed that the UoML should not opt for the OPAC if it implements a pre-harvested search service such as Primo. Most of the tools and techniques identified to promote eBooks are largely conventional. Nevertheless, innovative promotional methods are recognised. The findings showed that the Library has a dominant role in the promotion of eBooks. Nonetheless, the contribution of academic staff, and the involvement of publishers and aggregators are crucial as they complement on the promotional activities carried out by the UoML. With regards to usage statistics, the study showed that analysis of usage statistics assist the Library in collection development and management decisions. From the study it was concluded that it is indispensable for the UoML to integrate eBooks into its collection. Consequently, before implementing eBooks, the Library is planning to address the processes and procedures within the collection development policy. Additionally, the UoML is willing to provide training so as to enhance the negotiation skills of its workforce. Moreover, the formulation of an eResources promotional strategy, including eBooks, is top priority on the agenda of the UoML. Furthermore, the Library is negotiating the procurement of a pre-harvested search service so as to facilitate the retrieval of all of its information resources in a unified way.