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This paper aims to propose a definition for the concept “e‐book” on the basis of an analysis of existing definitions. The e‐book marketplace is growing rapidly and the potential impact of e‐books on publishers, librarian and users is increasing in significance. Yet, there is agreement that despite a few widely accepted definitions there is no consensus on the definition of the term e‐book, and, further that consensus on the definition would be beneficial for both researchers and practitioners.

This paper starts with a brief overview of the developments in e‐books, covering technologies, marketplaces, and the attractions and challenges associated with e‐books for users and libraries. It then reports on a content analysis of existing definitions of e‐book. A collection of definitions was compiled through an exhaustive literature review. Content analysis was performed to identify the frequency of occurrence of key words and phrases across these definitions.

There is a consensus that definitions of e‐book should include reference to: the digital or electronic nature of e‐books, analogy to printed book, some indication of the content of e‐books, and some allusion to e‐book technologies. We propose a two‐part definition that embraces these themes, but also reflects the in‐use features of the e‐book. Conclusions and recommendations make proposals for further discussion on the concept of e‐book and, more widely, into the publication, acquisition and use of e‐books.

In the rapidly developing e‐book marketplace it is essential to have agreement on the definition of e‐book, and furthermore, such a definition needs to reflect both the persistent characteristics of e‐books, and their dynamic and developing nature.

This editorial aims to discuss how technology has transformed the cultural map for libraries so that experiences in Taiwan, Iran, India, Greece, or New Zealand are relevant anywhere in the developed world.

The methodology draws heavily on cultural anthropology in looking at the cultural context and its changes over time.

Four sets of shared problems emerge in these articles: technology applications to solve specific library problems, user studies, cataloging issues, and electronic publishing. These are topics that librarians discuss around the world.

It is a commonplace today that technology has tended to equalize widely separated parts of the world. This is obviously true in terms of consumer goods, but appears to be less well accepted in terms of scholarly endeavor. The international and intellectual breadth of this issue can be seen as something to celebrate.