Are we there yet? An analysis of e‐book equivalent coverage in highly‐circulated titles at The College of New Jersey Library

Abstract

Purpose -This paper seeks to determine the extent of e-book availability and how existing e-books might meet library needs as defined by monograph circulation. Design/methodology/approach -This study identified highly circulated print titles and searched for e-book versions available from aggregators or publishers. Findings -The results indicate inadequate coverage levels to allow for a discontinuance of print purchasing, but offer clues as to where e-books might have the greatest impact in this library's collection plans. Originality/value -The paper introduces a method whereby libraries may determine where e-book collections best meets user needs.

Practical overlap: The possibility of replacing print books with e-books

“…The results of the investigation were similar to those found by Link (2012), Pomerantz (2010) and Price and McDonald (2008). The study demonstrated that while there was some degree of overlap between existing print holdings and the sources examined, the rate of practical overlap was about 33%.…”

“…This investigation demonstrates that it appears unlikely that more than 26% of current print holdings could be replaced with e-books. This overlap figure of 26% is similar to previous studies (Link 2012;Pomerantz 2010;Price and McDonald 2008), which ranged from 17% to 31% practical overlap between print books and e-books. This may be a reflection of the currency of the comparison, as the Price and McDonald study was carried out on 2006 and 2007 acquisitions, and Pomerantz on acquisitions from 2008.…”

“…The approach used was similar to that taken by Pomerantz (2010), which involved manual checking of titles. There were two critical differences between this study and those undertaken by Link (2012), Pomerantz (2010) and Price and McDonald (2008). The first variation from previous studies was that it explored overlap with all existing print monograph holdings.…”

Worth the Wait? Using Past Patterns to Determine Wait Periods for E-Books Released After Print

“…Link's study of the holdings of The College of New Jersey in 2012 found that only 8 percent were available in MyiLibrary; but, if the search were broadened to include all major e-book aggregators, availability increased to 17 percent. 46 With these limitations, this study still provides an example to add to librarians' understanding of publication patterns. The data show how delays can vary by title, even with books from the same publisher, and how Coutts' profiling process affects availability.…”

Issues related to the adoption of e-books in academic libraries: a literature review

“…The same preference was displayed by a group of prominent South African researchers; availability of e-content was proposed as a reason for their choice (Treptow & James, 2011: 67). Link (2012) reports on a small-sample study at the College of New Jersey Library that examined the circulation of a small selection of print books in the collection which would be possible to replace with electronic versions. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether it would be wise to stop the collection of print books in favour of e-books.…”