CDL: Need help with ebook vs. print questionnaire.

From: John P. Abbott <abbottjp_at_appstate.edu>
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 08:54:03 -0400
To: COLLDV-L_at_usc.edu
Questionnaire re: buying e-book vs. print
From: "Steven Knowlton (sknwlton)" <sknwlton_at_memphis.edu>

Hi, all:

I’m working on a talk for the Tennessee Library Association next month. 
My topic is deciding on a format for monograph acquisitions, and I’m 
hoping to incorporate information about practices at other libraries.

If you have a few moments, would you mind replying to the questions 
below? I’ll share a summary if you’re interested.

(NOTE: for all questions, please assume that your funds are limited to 
acquiring a title in only one format; and please assume you are 
purchasing individual e-book monographs, not packages)

1. Are there firm guidelines for choosing to acquire a title in e-book 
instead of print? (e.g., we always buy engineering books in e-book format)

2. Are there firm guidelines for choosing to acquire a title in print 
instead of e-book? (e.g., we always buy novels in print)

3. In the absence of firm guidelines, what criteria do you use to decide 
on a format?

4. If there is a price difference between e-book and print, how does 
that affect your decision?

5. If you choose e-book, how do you decide how many simultaneous users 
to license?


Many thanks for your thoughts!


Steven A. Knowlton, M.L.I.S.
Collection Development Librarian
126 McWherter Library
University of Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-8234
Received on Wed Mar 19 2014 - 03:01:08 EDT