Description
More e-books in a library’s collection means major changes in the individual user’s experience. At the University of Minnesota Libraries, we are taking several steps to support our users as they expand their worlds to include e-books. After an initial trial 2 years ago, we have moved into the arena of demand-driven acquisition for e-books by displaying selected records in MNCAT, our catalog, and allowing users to trigger purchases after a prescribed set of views. Purchase and use records are closely monitored. To assess whether we should make changes to MNCAT or take other steps that could enhance a user’s ability to locate books in e-format, we have reviewed the literature and investigated what other large academic libraries have done. In order to both serve users directly and help library staff provide quick and accurate information, we have developed a Web site that provides details about several of the large e-book packages to which we subscribe. It covers features such as number of simultaneous users, compatibility with various e-readers, and steps for printing and downloading, if they are available. Lastly, the librarians who are liaisons to the College of Education and Human Development are working with the College’s iPad initiative, which provides a device to each incoming undergraduate student. We are beginning to develop materials and strategies that complement the College’s efforts to assist instructors and students in the most effective use of e-books and other library materials on their iPads.
To access the full presentation for this session, click on the "Download" button located to the right.
Start Date
15-3-2012 12:45 PM
End Date
15-3-2012 1:45 PM
Supporting users in their pursuit and use of our e-books: Perspectives from one large academic library
More e-books in a library’s collection means major changes in the individual user’s experience. At the University of Minnesota Libraries, we are taking several steps to support our users as they expand their worlds to include e-books. After an initial trial 2 years ago, we have moved into the arena of demand-driven acquisition for e-books by displaying selected records in MNCAT, our catalog, and allowing users to trigger purchases after a prescribed set of views. Purchase and use records are closely monitored. To assess whether we should make changes to MNCAT or take other steps that could enhance a user’s ability to locate books in e-format, we have reviewed the literature and investigated what other large academic libraries have done. In order to both serve users directly and help library staff provide quick and accurate information, we have developed a Web site that provides details about several of the large e-book packages to which we subscribe. It covers features such as number of simultaneous users, compatibility with various e-readers, and steps for printing and downloading, if they are available. Lastly, the librarians who are liaisons to the College of Education and Human Development are working with the College’s iPad initiative, which provides a device to each incoming undergraduate student. We are beginning to develop materials and strategies that complement the College’s efforts to assist instructors and students in the most effective use of e-books and other library materials on their iPads.
To access the full presentation for this session, click on the "Download" button located to the right.