Learn how to assess the quality, relevance, DRM, and user engagement of e-books for your library collection. Find out some criteria and strategies to choose e-books wisely.

It's important to note that the user experience may vary, depending on the device they're using to access your digital collection. When evaluating a platform, consider the experience on a smartphone (Android and iOS), common eReaders (Kindle, Nook, etc), Mac, laptop/PC, and tablets. Also check the accessibility features on these same points of entry.

Libraries need to apply evidence based practice. So need to collect usage statistics of subscription databases. If students are using free sources such as Google, Open Access, and AI such as chatGPT/copilot, then libraries may be better putting resources into teaching how to use these free resources effectively. There will be more pressure on paid databases to prove worth.

How can libraries evaluate and select e-books based on quality and relevance?

E-books are becoming more popular and accessible for library users, but they also pose some challenges for library staff. How can you evaluate and select e-books that meet your collection development goals, your budget constraints, and your users' needs and preferences? In this article, we will explore some criteria and strategies that can help you make informed and effective decisions about e-books for your library.

1 Quality standards

One of the first aspects to consider when evaluating e-books is their quality. Quality can refer to various factors, such as the accuracy, currency, authority, and readability of the content, the design and functionality of the platform, the compatibility and accessibility of the format, and the availability and reliability of the service. You can use some of the same criteria that you apply to print books, such as reviews, awards, citations, and reputation, but you also need to check the e-book's technical features, such as navigation, search, annotation, and download options, as well as its compliance with standards, such as EPUB, PDF, or HTML.

Add your perspective

Nick Tanzi

Library Leader; Author, Speaker, & Technology Enthusiast
Report contribution
It's important to note that the user experience may vary, depending on the device they're using to access your digital collection. When evaluating a platform, consider the experience on a smartphone (Android and iOS), common eReaders (Kindle, Nook, etc), Mac, laptop/PC, and tablets. Also check the accessibility features on these same points of entry.

Like
Anne Weaver

Head of Library and Information Services, All Hallows' School,Brisbane
Report contribution
Libraries need to apply evidence based practice. So need to collect usage statistics of subscription databases. If students are using free sources such as Google, Open Access, and AI such as chatGPT/copilot, then libraries may be better putting resources into teaching how to use these free resources effectively. There will be more pressure on paid databases to prove worth.

Like
Christine Peterson

Head of Library Services and Mackay Clan Leader at SCOTS PGC College
Report contribution
I feel that the selection of eBooks and audiobooks is much the same as any book selection. The content needs to meet the needs of your community. Ensure your collection policy has clear guidelines and follow them. Audiobooks are a challenge because a narrator can impact the overall effect but you have little control over this.

Like

2 Relevance criteria

Another aspect to consider when selecting e-books is their relevance. Relevance can refer to how well the e-book matches your collection development policy, your users' information needs and preferences, and your library's mission and vision. You can use some of the same criteria that you use for print books, such as subject, scope, level, and language, but you also need to consider the e-book's format, delivery, and usage. For example, you may want to choose e-books that are compatible with your library's devices and software, that offer flexible and fair licensing and pricing models, and that generate useful usage data and feedback.

Add your perspective

Nick Tanzi

Library Leader; Author, Speaker, & Technology Enthusiast
Report contribution
Ensuring adherence with the library's collection development policy can be complicated by the lending model. Some e-book providers structure their service more as access to a broad catalog, rather than titles individually selected by the librarian. In such a model, there may be titles that would violate a library's policy.

Like

3 Digital rights management

A key challenge that libraries face when dealing with e-books is digital rights management (DRM). DRM is a set of technologies and policies that control how e-books can be accessed, copied, shared, and modified by users. DRM can affect the quality and relevance of e-books, as well as the user experience and satisfaction. For example, DRM can limit the number of concurrent users, the duration of access, the ability to print or download, and the interoperability with other platforms and devices. Therefore, libraries need to evaluate and negotiate the DRM terms and conditions of e-books, and look for alternatives that offer more flexibility and freedom for users, such as DRM-free or open access e-books.

Add your perspective

4 User engagement

Another factor that can influence the evaluation and selection of e-books is user engagement. User engagement can refer to how users interact with and respond to e-books, as well as how libraries promote and support e-books. User engagement can affect the quality and relevance of e-books, as well as the library's return on investment and impact. For example, user engagement can provide valuable feedback and data on user behavior, preferences, and satisfaction, as well as increase user awareness and appreciation of e-books. Therefore, libraries need to monitor and measure user engagement with e-books, and implement strategies to enhance user engagement, such as marketing, training, and outreach.

Add your perspective

Nick Tanzi

Library Leader; Author, Speaker, & Technology Enthusiast
Report contribution
It's important to promote your digital collection in your physical space. This can include flyers, digital signage, shelf-talkers, and labeling analog media to indicate the existence of a digital alternative. You can even create e-book displays in the style of a traditional book display using faux iPads/e-readers cut from foam board or similar material!

Like

5 Evaluation methods

Finally, to evaluate and select e-books effectively, libraries need to use appropriate and reliable evaluation methods. Evaluation methods can refer to the tools and processes that libraries use to collect, analyze, and interpret information about e-books. Evaluation methods can help libraries assess the quality and relevance of e-books, as well as their DRM and user engagement aspects. For example, evaluation methods can include surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, testing, trials, reviews, statistics, reports, and benchmarks. Therefore, libraries need to choose and apply evaluation methods that are suitable for their goals, resources, and context, and that provide valid and useful evidence and insights.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How can libraries evaluate and select e-books based on quality and relevance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Quality standards

2 Relevance criteria

3 Digital rights management

4 User engagement

5 Evaluation methods

6 Here’s what else to consider

Library Science

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Library Science

More relevant reading