A Web‐based electronic book (e‐book) library: the netLibrary model

Despite some skepticism about the adoption of electronic books (e‐books) in libraries, there has been substantial growth in e‐book acquisitions and usage. The e‐book task force for the University of California digital library identified eight elements that are important to the evaluation of academic e‐book usage. The elements are: content, software and hardware standards and protocols, digital rights management, access, archiving, privacy, the market and pricing, and enhancements and ideal e‐book features. There are currently several e‐book models available to libraries that can be assessed and described in relation to the above‐mentioned elements or criteria. Using these elements, the netLibrary e‐book model will be described.