Purpose -This paper aims to provide an overview of current research on the use of e-books and e-book readers as they gain popularity in libraries. Design/methodology/approach -The paper is a literature review and a case study of a public library which has a Kindle lending program. An e-book case study is examined, highlighting a mid-sized public library which implemented a Kindle e-book lending program. The article includes a follow-up discussion as to how libraries are including digital content in their collections, and changing the way they do business to accommodate the new technologies that people are increasingly asking for. The paper also gives tools for librarians looking to start their own e-book lending program, and provide additional information on what resources are currently available. Findings -One conclusion can be made. E-books will not be going away any time soon. The Kindle lending program at the library has been extremely successful and well received by patrons Research limitations/implications -Because of this very small case study approach, the research results may not be generalizable. Originality/value -This research trend is new, and has not had much study. It gives a wide variety of opportunity for pilot studies, and subsequent ones.

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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the main contents of the 20th BOBCATSSS Symposium held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, in January 2012, with the theme of “Information in e‐motion”.Design/methodology/approachThe report provides a concise viewpoint of the overall impact of the conference.FindingsThe conference focused on the e‐environment, and debated new challenges and roles for librarians and information professionals.Originality/valueThis symposium is one of the few conferences in the world where students are the main characters and participate as organisers, reviewers, and presenters of the contributions. Reports on such conferences are of interest to students, to teachers and to professionals.

This report discusses the Overcoming Barriers to Information Access (B2A) program, a doctoral cohort program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services. The program has focused on educating the next generation of doctoral graduates in library and information science with an emphasis on the theme of overcoming barriers to information access. Fellows were provided resources to support their educational activities, research and instructional experiences. The principal investigator for the program and the B2A Fellows reflect on the challenges and the rewards of their experiences in the program. Key findings that emerged include the importance of community throughout the program and exposure to diverse perspectives. Although funding packages provide important resources to students, they do not buy extra time. The reflections provide insights into the doctoral student experience that can benefit other library and information science doctoral programs.