Electronic books for children in UK public libraries

doi:10.1108/02640470110412026

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Electronic Library, The

ISSN: 0264-0473

Online from: 1983

Subject Area: Library and Information Studies

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Electronic books for children in UK public libraries

Document Information:
Title:	Electronic books for children in UK public libraries
Author(s):	Sally Maynard, (Sally Maynard is a Research Associate, Library and Information Statistics Unit (LISU), Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.), Cliff McKnight, (Cliff McKnight is Professor of Information Studies, Department of Information Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.)
Citation:	Sally Maynard, Cliff McKnight, (2001) "Electronic books for children in UK public libraries", Electronic Library, The, Vol. 19 Iss: 6, pp.405 - 424
Keywords:	CD-ROM, Children, Electronic publishing, Public libraries
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/02640470110412026 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	MCB UP Ltd
Abstract:	This article describes a survey investigating the opinions of children’s librarians on the subject of electronic books. A questionnaire was sent by post to those responsible for public library services for children at each of the 208 local government authorities in the UK. The response rate was 77 per cent. Notable conclusions include the fact that there was a positive attitude towards including electronic books as part of the children’s library service, and a high proportion of libraries offered access to them, the majority through main libraries. A small majority of libraries were offering electronic books for reference use within the library, rather than lending them out like printed books. Many of the librarians believed that electronic books can attract new members to the library, and that offering electronic books will change their role. Respondents believed that electronic books are durable, and can exist alongside the printed items within the library.