Every (e)book its (e)reader: book collections at a crossroads

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the challenge of projecting physical book collection space in light of the emerging e‐book market.

Design/methodology/approach

Two recent papers from the Chronicle of Higher Education were contrasted to illustrate the tenuous balance between the role of libraries and their physical collections and the increasing functionality and performance of electronic books.

Findings

The paper suggests e‐books will continue to gain traction, but with an ascendency that will be slower and more complex than that of e‐journals.

Originality/value

The paper offers a jumping off point for discussion about the scholarly use of books and how these activities currently are (or are not) capable of being replicated by current e‐readers.

Citation

Medeiros, N. (2010), "Every (e)book its (e)reader: book collections at a crossroads", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 229-231. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650751011087576