PDF, the Preferred Digital Format for Ebooks

January 30, 2023 by Leave a Comment

As we purchase digital textbooks and content, one opportunity for improvement that we hear about is the format of the content. Users tend to want the content in true PDF form so that it is easier to find assigned readings and to match cited pages within a source.

It is common for professors to assign readings based on pagination in the print textbook, but the pages don’t always match the pagination in the digital version.

This post provides examples of what the user finds in some of the more common ebook platforms used for textbooks and study aids in academic law libraries.

Aspen Learning Library

With Aspen textbooks and study aids made available via the Aspen Learning Library platform, there are no page numbers listed in the Table of Contents:

If we want to read page 18 in Contracts: Examples & Explanations, here’s the print image:

The digital image has the print page numbers bolded throughout the body of the text:

Carolina Academic Press via OverDrive

Carolina Academic Press digital textbooks and study aids are accessible via the OverDrive platform. The Table of Contents does not list the page numbers.

If we are looking for page 87 in the print book, Disability Law: Cases, Materials, Problems, we see this:

In the digital version, there is a page navigator but the navigator does not match with the pagination in the print. In this image below, it shows page 87-88 in the navigator but the actual page as found in the print text is listed in brackets and the image below is page 29-30.

To find the actual page 87, you have to scroll through pages to find it in the brackets. Here it is on pages 151-152 of the navigator:

West Academic

With West Academic ebooks made available via the West Academic Online Study Aids platform, the page numbers are not listed in the Table of Contents.

If we’re looking for page 18 in the book, A Short & Happy Guide to the Law of Sales, we see this image in print:

Here is the image in digital format. The print page numbers are listed throughout the body of the text as indicated below:

ProQuest EBook Central

With Aspen textbooks made available via the ProQuest Ebook Central platform, the page numbers are listed in the Table of Contents so at least readers can get an idea of where to start. But the text is not a true PDF of the content.

Print image of p.381 of the book, Trial Techniques and Trials:

Digital image of page 381 in ProQuest: The page numbers are bolded in the digital text so the readers have an idea of where they are within the text.

All Ebsco Ebooks

With Aspen textbooks made available via the Ebsco platform, the page numbers are not listed when looking at the Table of Contents, so the reader has to guess where to start reading based on what the subject matter is. Like the ProQuest platform, the text is not a true PDF of the content, but it does contain page numbers bolded within the text.

The hyperlinked chapters in all platforms makes it easy to jump to the content but for assigned reading purposes, having page numbers that correlate with the print versions in the Table of Contents does help. We’ve suggested faculty include the titles of the book sections and subsections when assigning pages to read and we’ve suggested students use the publisher websites to find the Table of Contents for books so that they can identify sections and pages. Ideally, the digital books would be in true PDF format or include pagination for print and digital in the Table of Contents for the digital versions.

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Digital Casebooks

September 7, 2022 by Leave a Comment

For law school libraries that provide required textbooks as part of their course reserve services, it is a good time to review various features of digital casebooks. While some vendors sell bundled packages of casebooks, this post is about casebooks purchased as individual ebooks for library patron use.

Libraries can purchase Aspen casebooks individually in digital format from ProQuest LibCentral for library patron use. Carolina Academic Press casebooks can be purchased individually in digital format from Matthew Bender and made available for patrons via the LexisNexis Digital Library in the OverDrive platform. West Academic sells digital casebooks as part of a bundled package with other casebooks; libraries cannot purchase individual digital casebooks for library patron use.

The LibCentral and OverDrive platforms allow users to highlight, annotate, and bookmark. Users can highlight in multiple colors which can help with the IRAC process. Both platforms require extra clicks to get to the pagination and it does not necessarily match the print book so professors may need to assign chapters, sections, and subsections to read rather than pages.

A library’s ProQuest LibCentral administrator can set individual ebooks so that they can only be read online, or the administrator can set limited check-out periods. However, ProQuest does not allow for early return so the ebook will be inaccessible to others until the user returns it. Reading online, rather than checking out, makes the book inaccessible to others until the user closes the browser.

OverDrive only allows check-out options, rather than reading online. The minimum check-out period is longer than most academic law libraries would use for course reserve materials. There is an option to return the ebook early. However, it may not be intuitive for users to figure out how to do this.

During the pandemic, students appreciated digital access and usage statistics appear to be greater than historical print circulation statistics, but we will need more time and usage data to determine if students truly prefer digital casebooks.

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The State of Law Library eBooks 2017-18 (LLRX)

November 6, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Ellyssa Kroski, the Director of Information Technology at the New York Law Institute, has recently undertaken a three-part article series at LLRX, designed to cover what law libraries should consider when evaluating and getting involved with eBooks. The first two parts have already been posted, with the third part on the way.

Read more:
Part One: The Landscape
Part One is designed to “describe the current landscape of eBooks relevant to the law library field, the benefits and challenges of offering eBooks in law libraries, the different ways to purchase law-related eBooks, and how to get started choosing a solution.”

Part Two: Brass Tacks
Part Two is designed to “discuss the different pricing models that are currently available and the pros and cons to each; subscription-based, patron-driven acquisitions, short term loans, access-to-own, etc. as well as strategies for controlling costs, and questions to ask before choosing an eBook solution.”

Part Three: What Law Libraries are Doing (forthcoming) [Update – now available]
Part Three “will delve into what we’ve chosen to do for our eBooks program at NYLI and how that has evolved over the past five years to a hybrid model, as well as what other law libraries have chosen as their solutions.”

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ProQuest acquiring Coutts and MyiLibrary, partnering with Ingram.

April 30, 2015 by Leave a Comment

ProQuest announced today that it is acquiring Coutts and MyiLibrary from Ingram Content Group. It is also “entering into a strategic partnership” with Ingram for print distribution.

The press release can be read on the ProQuest website (the same release can also be read on the Ingram website).

More info on these changes from ProQuest is available here. A PDF of FAQs is available as well.

Without knowing how long this has been in the works, the easiest interpretation of this move is that it is a response to EBSCO’s purchase of YBP (see earlier coverage of that development here). ProQuest is selling this acquisition as a further expansion of its ebook content (adding MyiLibrary titles to the Ebrary and EBL titles already available from ProQuest). At the same time, these statements say that nothing will change immediately for current MyiLibrary customers. ProQuest also promises this will not delay the ongoing integration of the Ebrary and EBL platforms.

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About EBSCO Buying YBP

March 3, 2015 by Leave a Comment

It’s been ten days since the announcement that EBSCO bought YBP from Baker &Taylor, but the benefit of being late to comment is that we can corral much of what’s already been said.

Here is the original press release from EBSCO that it is buying YBP (including its GOBI platform) from Baker & Taylor.

Here is a PDF of FAQs for current customers.

Both of these documents promise minimal disruption in the near future.

Notably, within an hour of receiving the EBSCO press release over email, I received ProQuest’s press release assuring customers that its ongoing relationship with YBP would not change. ProQuest elaborated on this here, promising that its ebrary and EBL ebooks would continue to be available through GOBI. ProQuest is often seen as EBSCO’s big rival in academic ebooks and online journal databases, and both EBSCO’s and ProQuest’s ebook platforms have been playing reasonably nice with YBP’s GOBI platform.

Here is Baker & Taylor’s press release about the sale of YBP to EBSCO.

Meredith Schwartz at Library Journal did a write-up, with her same-day article containing quotes from three EBSCO executives, as well as an academic librarian from EBSCO’s advisory board.

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AALL Program Preview: Implement/Access an E-Book Collection in a Law Library

July 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Over the next couple days, CRIV will be highlighting some of the vendor relations-themed offerings at AALL in Seattle…

G6: Implement/Access an E-Book Collection in a Law Library
Time: 10:15am – 11:45am
Location: 618-620
Description:

Apple has sold more than 40 million iPads, and Amazon now sells more Kindle titles than print books. E-books have reached the tipping point. Libraries are watching the demand for e-book borrowing steadily rise and are responding by rolling out new e-book initiatives. Learn how to compare and evaluate e-book platforms, the ins and outs of pricing models-including demand-driven acquisitions, functionality unique to this format, and vendor types, as well as the questions you should ask about technical requirements. Become knowledgeable about the key challenges and benefits of launching an e-book initiative in your law library, as well as alternatives to purchasing e-books.

Takeaway 1: Participants will understand the various e-book vendor types, sales and pricing models- including demand-driven acquisitions, and functionality of major e-book packages.

Takeaway 2: Participants will be able to create an informed list of questions about content, functionality, and technical requirements of e-book packages to submit to vendors.

Takeaway 3: Participants will also become knowledgeable about alternatives to purchasing e-books.

Who should attend: Reference and acquisitions librarians; library administrators

Track(s): Library Management, Reference, Research and Client

Presenters:

Ellyssa Kroski, Director of Information Technology, New York Law Institute
Ralph A. Monaco, Executive Director, New York Law Institute
Jeremy Sullivan, Manager of Library Research Services, DLA Piper
David Swords, EBL—Ebook Library/ProQuest
Jacob Sayward, Head of Electronic Services, Fordham Law Library

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CRIV LexisNexis Digital Library and eBooks Demo

May 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment

To gain a better understanding of the functionality of the LexisNexis Digital Library and eBooks, members of the CRIV Committee met with LexisNexis earlier this month for a product demonstration. LexisNexis provided an overview and discussed the functionality from user and administrator perspectives. In June, some members of the committee will be participating in a trial of the LexisNexis Digital Library to gain first-hand experience with the product. 
 
You can find an overview of the LexisNexis Digital Library at http://www.lexisnexis.com/documents/pdf/20130524040128_large.pdf, or visit the website at http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/lending/.  

If you are interested in a trial of the LexisNexis Digital Library contact your LexisNexis representative. 

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LexisNexis Response to April 2013 eBook Questions – Posted on Behalf of LexisNexis

May 1, 2013 by 1 Comment

Below is Lexis’ response to the questions posed during the mid-April phone conference with members of CRIV.  CRIV would like to thank Cindy Spohr, Deana Sparling, and Silvian Rosario for taking the time to speak with CRIV and answer the questions below.  If you have questions about how these responses will impact your library, please contact your LexisNexis Representative.  If you have a concern that was not addressed here or in the February response, found here, please email Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair at mcosby@nccu.edu.

——————————————————————————————————————

LexisNexis would like to thank Michelle Cosby and CRIV for the opportunity to continue the conversation on eBooks.  The questions discussed during the recent call and answers to them follow.

For additional information, we recommend you visit http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/ , where you can access current lists of electronic titles, view an eBook demonstration, and review Frequently Asked Questions.  Additionally, you may find answers to your questions in the terms and conditions (the “Electronic Publications Master Agreement”) related to eBooks (as well as CDs, DVDs, PDFs, flash drives or other publications distributed electronically by LN) located at http://lexisnexis.com/terms/bender/masteragreement/.  We also welcome your questions and suggestions by phone at 800.833.9844 or email to ebooks@lexisnexis.com.

Q: Concerns were raised regarding the administration of eNewsletters and eBooks.

A:  LexisNexis® digital content (eBooks and PDFs) is fulfilled and supported via the LexisNexis download center. This download center can be accessed through our online store. Since its launch in November 2011, we have continuously made incremental updates to improve the download capabilities for our digital content. In summer of 2013, we are planning to significantly enhance the user experience related to the download management process for eMedia.  The planned enhancements will include a self-help portal for administrative staff that will, among other things, allow the admin to change, edit, add and delete email user addresses receiving notifications from the download center. Customers will also be able to view a history of all their eBook purchases in the download center and be able to download any previous newsletter updates they may have missed.

Q: How are customers notified of a change in format for an existing subscription?

A: Newsletters:  When a newsletter format is changed so that it is only available in an eNewsletter (PDF) format, LexisNexis’s process is that customers are notified, individually, with a letter included in the last print shipment. For example, the customer will receive a notification of the format change with the April 2013 print newsletter that the next issue, May 2013, will only be available as an e-newsletter in PDF format. The timing of the notification is dependent on the publication schedule of the newsletter. A complete list of titles in this category is posted to http://www.lexisnexis.com/eBooks.

Print + CD: When a Print + CD title is migrated to a Print + eBook format, LexisNexis’s process for notification is that customers are sent a letter, with the print title, with instructions to download the eBook. Upcoming titles are posted to http://www.lexisnexis.com/eBooks.

Q: Concerns were raised that the list of titles changing to eFormat is not being kept up-to-date.

A:  We aim to post a list of titles earmarked for migration approximately 30 days in advance, as our information allows. We do this through our eBooks site at http://www.lexisnexis.com/eBooks.

 

Q: Concerns were raised that Libraries will be forced to print newsletters at their own expense. 

A: With a single subscription to a newsletter, the library has the right to use the Electronic Publication on a single personal computer, e-reader, tablet, mobile device, or other display device, in the manner described in the Electronic Publications Master Agreement. In addition, one copy can be printed. While there is no requirement that the library make one print out of the newsletter, we do understand that some libraries may elect to do so. 

If a library is interested in lending and sharing capabilities for eBooks and eNewsletters, the LexisNexis® Digital Library can simplify buying, updating and lending.  Find more information on the LexisNexis Digital Library here:  http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/lending/

Q: Concerns were raised that due to the change to eFormat, libraries will need to purchase e-readers.

A: A particular brand of e-reader is not required as programs that act as e-readers are available for computers. For more information, visit the eBook Resource page: http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/resources/.

Q: Concerns were raised regarding highlighting in digital content.

A: The Digital Rights Management (DRM) related to a publication dictates the ability to highlight, share, print, etc. For a single user, single copy subscription, only one user has the right to use the eBook, so only one person can highlight. (However, for libraries permitting access under section 1.3 of the Electronic Publications Master Agreement, the permitted user highlights would be displayed together, much as they would if multiple patrons marked on and highlighted a printed book.) With the LexisNexis® Digital Library, users have the ability to highlight and make notes, which can be saved by the user outside the eBook. These notes and highlights are suppressed when the book is checked back in, so the next user will not see this information and is able to make their own comments and highlights. If the original user checks the eBook out again from the LexisNexis Digital Library he/she will have access to the highlights/notes originally made.

Q: Concerns were raised on electronic invoicing.

A: For some organizations, Lexis Advance® invoices will be sent electronically in summer of 2013. However, the invoice format for print, eBook, eNewsletters is not changing.  You will continue to receive these invoices in print.

 

Q: Can the abbreviations on invoices be more specific?  (The example provided was MA Laws)

A: Within some constraints, we can make adjustments as needed so that the abbreviation is more descriptive.  For the example raised of MA Laws, the abbreviated title on the invoice has been changed to MA Annotated Laws.

 

Q: What action should be taken by subscribers who choose not to accept a change in format for existing subscriptions?

A: Customers who choose to seek a refund or cancel their subscription due to a change in format should call Customer support at 800.833.9844 for options related to their purchase.

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A Message From the Chair: LexisNexis eBooks

April 30, 2013 by Leave a Comment

CRIV is still waiting for Lexis’ response to the questions posed during the phone call in mid-April.  In the meantime, CRIV has scheduled a demo with Lexis in May to become more familiar with how the eBooks Library works so that we can better understand the needs of the AALL Membership.  If your library would like a personalized demo, please contact your Lexis Rep.  Alternatively, Lexis will be offering demos in June.  More information to come on the June demos.

Additionally, CRIV is still soliciting feedback on this issue.  If you have any concerns or suggestions, please email them to Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair at mcosby@nccu.edu.

Thank you,

Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair

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A Message from the Chair: LexisNexis eBook Talks

April 19, 2013 by 1 Comment

Earlier this week, members of CRIV spoke with Cindy Spohr, Deana Sparling, and Silvian Rosario from LexisNexis to further discuss the change in format to eBooks/eNewsletters and invoicing.  CRIV would like to thank LexisNexis for taking the time to talk about these issues.  LexisNexis will be posting an official response to the questions covered during this call, and we will post the response to the CRIV Blog as well as sending it out through our listserv liaisons. 

Additionally, LexisNexis has a few upcoming Lunch & Learn events available for AALL members local to the areas listed where you can learn more about this process.  CRIV will be posting training sessions related to the eBook process and Digital Libraries as they become available.

All Lunch & Learn sessions are 11:45am-1:15pm.  

Chicago:  Thursday, 4/25, LexisNexis, 70 W Madison, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60602.  RSVP to Bridget MacMillan at bridget.macmillan@lexisnexis.com

 

Atlanta:  Thursday, 5/1, Offices of Troutman Sanders, Bank of America Building. 600 Peachtree Street, Suite 5200 Atlanta, GA 30308.  RSVP to Mary Reusch at mary.reusch@lexisnexis.com

 

New York:  Wednesday, May 22, LexisNexis, 125 Park Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10017.  RSVP to Gayle Lynn-Nelson at gayle.lynn-nelson@lexisnexis.com

Thank you,
Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair

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A Message from the Chair: LexisNexis “ACTION REQUIRED TO CONTINUE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION”

April 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

I just wanted to let the AALL Community know that though CRIV has currently been silent on the above issue, we are actively working on it as well as a few other issues of concern that have come about due to the e-format changes.  CRIV has a phone conference scheduled with Lexis next week and we plan to post information by the end of this month or early next month.  If any other issues arise, please remember that you can request assistance by filling out our online form, or by sending me an email at mcosby@nccu.edu

Best,

Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair

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LexisNexis eBook Response – Posted on Behalf of LexisNexis

February 7, 2013 by 1 Comment

This message is posted from CRIV on behalf of LexisNexis with regards to eBooks.

LexisNexis® would like to thank Michelle Cosby and CRIV for the opportunity to speak with its members regarding eBooks.  The questions discussed during the call were those identified by CRIV as the ones most frequently asked by the members.  Both the questions and answers to them follow.

For answers to questions not discussed during the call, we recommend you visit http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/ , where you can access current lists of electronic titles, view an eBook demonstration, and review Frequently Asked Questions.  Additionally, you may find answers to your questions in the terms and conditions (the “Electronic Publications Master Agreement”) related to eBooks (as well as CDs, DVDs, PDFs, flash drives or other offline publications distributed electronically by LN) located at http://lexisnexis.com/terms/bender/masteragreement/.  We also welcome your questions and suggestions by phone at 800.833.9844 or email ebooks@lexisnexis.com. 

LexisNexis recognizes the important role technology plays in workplace productivity, and our goal is to provide legal professionals effective and efficient research tools, accessible whenever and wherever they need them.  Today’s practitioners are using tablets, smart phones and laptops, and want to incorporate eBooks into their everyday work.

With this in mind, we began our eBook journey in 2009, relying on customer input and feedback to help shape our product strategy and direction.  For example, we heard from our customers that they wanted to be able to choose their own mobile device; as such, we developed our eBooks using the two industry standard file types (epub and mobi), leaving device preference and choice to our customers.  In addition, we heard customers say the eBook needed to mirror the print book as closely as possible to support ease of use and format transition, so we designed our eBooks with this in mind.  We also provide valuable citation links to our Lexis Advance® research system for enhanced understanding of in-depth content.

As knowledge of our eBook collection grew, we began receiving feedback that while individual eBook purchases may be suitable for individual practitioners, librarians need to have greater supervision of collection purchases, lending restrictions, and other important library management issues.  We also heard clearly the imperative that any solution provided should be publisher agnostic, allowing librarians to mirror their print collection in digital format. 

For these reasons, we now offer LexisNexis® Digital Library.  As a part of the LexisNexis Digital Library, LexisNexis is an authorized reseller of the OverDrive® application platform.  Overdrive is a leader in the distribution of eBooks and digital content to public schools and libraries.  The innovative LexisNexis Digital Library offers legal professionals access to a large collection of authoritative legal eBook content on all major mobile devices and desktop platforms. It also enables organizations to share individual eBook titles among multiple users, purchase eBooks centrally and manage their library more efficiently.

eBook Info Site:

1) When will the helpful website be going up?  How will you inform customers when it is available?

This website is available now!  At http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/resources you can access current lists of electronic titles, view an eBook demonstration, and review Frequently Asked Questions.  We also welcome your questions and suggestions by phone at 800.833.9844 or email ebooks@lexisnexis.com.

Information on this website’s availability was communicated in the January edition of the LexisNexis® Information Professional Update, and in the LexisNexis® InfoPro Weekly beginning January 17. We will continue to include reminders on it in certain relevant communications to information professionals throughout the year.

eBook Availability and Content:

2) Is it possible for an eBook to be downloaded to a library computer and be IP authenticated?   If not, will different pricing be available so that a library does not have to participate in eBooks? 

In order to ensure we understand and deliver on your desired user experience, we recommend that you contact your Account Representative or our Customer Service organization to discuss this question further.

3) What hardware is needed to read the eBooks?

 We publish our eBooks in .epub and .mobi formats.  As such, our eBooks are compatible with hardware and software that supports those formats – Mac® and PC laptops, Apple® iPad®, Android® devices, Barnes and Noble NOOK®, Amazon® Kindle®, Sony® Reader and others.  Helpful tips for e-reading applications and software are available at http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/.

4) Will patrons have to go to your website to download the eBook?  Will they have to again after an initial download?

You may choose to download an eBook from the LexisNexis® Download Center to a library computer for patrons to access on that computer, pursuant to the Electronic Publications Master Agreement (referenced above). If you need access that is not provided for in the terms in the Electronic Publications Master Agreement, then please contact your Account Representative to see what agreement can be negotiated for that particular publication.

Cataloging/Circulation/Access:

5) What cataloging pieces will be required to describe the eBook? Does it go on the record with the print book?

LexisNexis Digital Library offers high quality, full-text bibliographic records enhanced for eBook catalog holdings.  The OCLC-MARC records include catalog data that is specific to digital media.

LexisNexis eBooks have a unique record versus the print version as the eBooks have unique ISBNs.  This will allow your patrons to more easily find their preferred format.

6) Do we need to adopt the OverDrive program?

No, you are certainly welcome to evaluate other solutions. 

If you are interested in hearing more about the LexisNexis Digital Library, please contact your Account Representative. 

7) What if the library OPAC is not compatible with OverDrive?

We anticipate few compatibility issues, if any, as the communications protocol that OverDrive employs is SIP2, a widely accepted industry standard. The other option available is LDAP, which is also an industry standard.

Should you require certain advanced functionalities, there may be additional OPAC modules required.  We are happy to discuss these with you as you consider implementation.  However it is important to note that an OPAC is not required for implementation of the LexisNexis Digital Library.

8) Does the licensing agreement cause any problems with lending to other libraries?

As with our CD-ROM licenses, our eBook licenses do not permit interlibrary loans.  For more information, please see section 1.3 of the Electronic Publications Master Agreement (referenced above).

9) There has also been concern that eBooks will force libraries to circulate materials that they don’t usually circulate.

LexisNexis Digital Library does not offer “library-only” circulation capabilities comparable in the print world to not allowing reference desk materials to be checked out, for example.  However, in the LexisNexis Digital Library, you can set the lending period for a short time such as a few days. 

Newsletter/Bender.com:

10) Are there plans to make searchable archiving available since these will no longer be available in print?

You can easily archive your older eBooks as your receive current editions, if such archival practices are in accordance with the Electronic Publications Master Agreement (referenced above).   As newer eBook versions will carry the same file name, you can simply rename the old edition file. With respect to eNewsletters, each new issue is being given a new file name, so you can save them without overwriting. 

11) Can I search across LexisNexis eBooks maintained on one device, or within a LexisNexis Digital Library, in a way that is similar to Folio functionality for CD libraries? 

If there is functionality in your e-reader software allowing such searching and the Digital Rights Management for the particular publication allows such searching, then it may be possible.  However, without those conditions, searching is limited to a single title at this time.  We continue to develop and work on CD library migration plans and features.

12) Setting up an account and getting the log-in credentials is time consuming.

We are working to streamline the process. 

13) Concern about passing cost on to the consumer since they will have to print the newsletters to circulate.

While there are costs associated with printing a copy upon receipt, electronic  delivery offers benefits that we believe outweigh the costs for our customers, including shorter delivery time and lower storage costs

General:

14) Will a list of publications that are changing from print/print with CD/CD only to eBook/digital/PDF only be made available?

 See information regarding our eBooks website above.

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ProQuest Buys EBL, Plans to Merge it with Ebrary

January 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment

ProQuest emailed customers an announcement that it is purchasing EBook Library (“EBL”). The company plans on combining EBL with ebrary, the ebook platform ProQuest purchased two years ago. The announcement’s text is reproduced below. 

Dear Customer,

ProQuest is pleased to announce that on January 18, 2013 we signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ebook Library (EBL), which will significantly expand our e-book delivery and aggregation capabilities to libraries globally. Since 2004, EBL has earned a reputation as an innovator in the library market by developing a first-rate user experience, deploying creative business models for e-books, and providing librarian-friendly workflow support. The acquisition of EBL will further ProQuest’s goal of enabling researchers to seamlessly discover content across multiple formats including books, journals, dissertations, newspapers, and video.

ProQuest established our e-book presence in January 2011 by acquiring ebrary, a leading aggregator offering an unmatched content selection, award winning e-book subscription collection, and highly scalable platform technology. By combining the complementary strengths of EBL and ebrary, we intend to create the best possible research experience, connecting e-books with the vast array of other content and services offered by ProQuest.

Kari Paulson, President of EBL, will be joining ProQuest and will manage the combined e-book business unit. She will lead the effort to integrate the best of ebrary and EBL onto a single platform. Kari will report to Kevin Sayar, Senior Vice President of Workflow Solutions. In addition, Kari’s current team will be joining ProQuest and will play a critical role in the smooth transition to a single platform.            

At this time, no action is necessary on your part. You should continue working with the appropriate EBL and/or ProQuest sales representative and ordering e-books on your EBL and/or ebrary platform(s). Order fulfillment will not be disrupted. As we move forward, we will communicate with you regularly and inform you well ahead of any changes. After closing, platform convergence will begin behind the scenes, starting with the creation of a unified content management system, which will streamline delivery of e-books to both platforms. Next, financial systems will be merged to consolidate invoicing for direct customers. The final stage will be the convergence of patron and librarian interfaces into a single, optimized user experience.

In the meantime, if you have questions or need more information, please contact your sales representative or review our FAQ.

We very much look forward to delivering this best-of-breed e-book solution and, as always, appreciate your continued input and support.

Best regards,

Kurt Sanford
CEO, ProQuest

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CRIV Conference Call with LexisNexis on eBook Plans

January 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment

I would like to thank Cindy Spohr and LexisNexis for taking the time to speak with CRIV regarding their eBook plans.  

CRIV submitted the majority of questions received by AALL members.  Some questions may not appear word for word in the list below, but CRIV tried to convey the essence of each question asked.  The excluded questions dealt with pricing details.  If you have follow up questions regarding your account, please contact your Lexis Representative. 

Below is the list of questions submitted to Lexis.  Lexis will make its own response to these questions, and CRIV will notify AALL members when that response is available.  In the meantime, Lexis has created a website that addresses some of the questions submitted by AALL Members available at http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/resources/.  The eBooks FAQ is available at http://www.lexisnexis.com/ebooks/questions/.

Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair

 

EBook Availability and Content:

-Is it possible for an eBook to be downloaded to a library computer and be IP authenticated? If not, will different pricing be available so that a library does not have to participate in eBooks? 

 

-Is the content on the eBook duplicative of the print book or will there be any unique content? Will there be something that explains the content of each eBook?

 

-Will companion eBooks expire at the end of a subscription period, or will LexisNexis customers be able to retain use unless and until they renew a subscription at any time after the expiration?

 

-What hardware is needed to read the e-books? Computer, Nook, Kindle, IPad?

 

-Will patrons have to go to your website to download the book?  Will they have to again after an initial download?

 

Cataloging/Circulation/Access:

-How do we check out an eBook?

 

-Does having the eBook limit circulation abilities?  The CD could circulate to multiple patrons indefinitely.  Some of the eBooks say the code is good for a limited time.

 

–What cataloging pieces will be required to describe the e-book? Does it go on the record with the print book?

 

-Do we need to adopt the Overdrive program?

 

-What if the library OPAC is not compatible with Overdrive?

 

-Will eBooks remain in the Lexis Download center?

 

-Will there be a way to allow multiple users to access an eBook at a time?  What if the library subscribes to the title on Lexis.com?

 

 -How will library customers authorize credential users of single-use licenses?

 

-Does the licensing agreement cause any problems with lending to other libraries?

 

-There has also been concern that eBooks will force libraries to circulate materials that they don’t usually circulate.

 

Newsletter/Bender.com:

–Are their plans to make searchable archiving available since these will no longer be available in print?

 

-Setting up an account and getting the log-in credentials is time consuming.

 

-Accessing the newsletter from the account requires additional in-house IT support (java plug-ins/disabling script).  Are these one-time changes or every time a newsletter is accessed?

 

-Is it possible for the email alerting customers the newsletter is available to go to multiple email addresses?  There is concern that the newsletter comes out when someone is on leave for an extended amount of time.

 

-Concern about passing cost on to the consumer since they will have to print the newsletters to circulate.

 

-For customers that signed the multi-year agreement for the newsletters, will they have the option of maintaining the same format they agreed to in the contract for the duration of the contract’s term?

 

General:

-When will the helpful website be going up?  How will you inform customers when it is available?

 

-Will a list of publications that are changing from print/print with CD/CD only to eBook/digital/PDF only be made available?

 

-A few academic law librarians have said they have no problem with anything.

 

-The format changes are beneficial to individual customers, but not for libraries as a whole.

 

-Is eBook limited to searching one volume at a time?  Folio allows you to search across multiple treatises.

 

-Can an eBook be place on a library intra-net like SharePoint?

 

– If the eBook is downloaded via Overdrive, do the internal links still go to the Lexis database?

 

-Will LexisNexis clearly and conspicuously identify the last date (month and year) when it has updated any sections of an eBook companion as well as any changes that were made?

 

-Has LexisNexis completed beta testing to ensure the advertised features of the companion eBooks work as advertised?

 

 -What training, if any, does LexisNexis anticipate customers will need to use the companion eBook? Will LexisNexis provide training?

 

-What are the terms of single-use and multiple-use licenses, and why were these not submitted to customers in writing at the time Lexis announced the migration?

 

– In the terms of the annual contracts does LexisNexis has reserved the right to change “companion” formats unilaterally?

 

 -What kinds of confidentiality restrictions, if any, will Lexis add to customer licensing of companion eBooks?

 

 -Will LexisNexis track credentialed use of companion eBooks when evaluating pricing for subscription renewals?

 

 -Why did LexisNexis decide not to seek customer consent in advance, as recommended under Principle 3.1 of the AALL Guide to Fair Business Practices?

 

 -Did LexisNexis anticipate the migration by the time subscribing customers were renewing their subscriptions to the affected titles in 2012? If it did, why did it not notify these customers of the pending change at the time of renewal, as recommended under the “format-change-notice” provision of Principle 2.2(e) of the AALL Guide to Fair Business Practices?

 

-Will LexisNexis notify subscribers of an option to cancel affected, “standing order” subscriptions, and claim any applicable, pro-rated reimbursement, if the subscribers find that they do not want or cannot use the eBook supplements? 

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LexisNexis and e-books Follow Up

December 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment

CRIV will be having a conference call next month with LexisNexis Representatives to further discuss librarian concerns revolving around the change to the e-book format.  If you have additional questions that you would like to ask regarding this change, please email your questions to Michelle Cosby at mcosby@nccu.edu by Friday January 4, 2013.  I will compile a list of questions and the answers will be posted shortly after the call.  Please check back to CRIV Blog or watch your listservs for this information.

Michelle Cosby, CRIV Chair

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