Local public library shelves e-book idea - News - Business

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This story was printed from ZDNet Australia.
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Local public library shelves e-book idea

By James Pearce, ZDNet Australia
April 04, 2002
URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/business/soa/Local-public-library-shelves-e-book-idea/0,139023166,120264399,00.htm

Despite potential efficiencies, Australian library users may have to wait to access their research books online.

Whilst most local libraries utilise the Internet for catalogue searching and various databases, they appear to be in no hurry to provide full text research books online, despite trials of such a system commencing overseas this month.

US start-up Ebrary is all set to begin trialling its online research service, Ebrarian, in US libraries.

Its 30-day trial will include six regional library systems and will allow people to read articles and books online for free, with users charged only to copy text or print pages. Ebrary claims to have thousands of titles from more than 100 publishers.

However, when questioned on the likelihood of a similar service being implemented in Australian public libraries, a staff member at one library told ZDNet Australia they were -unlikely" to offer books online. -I don't think we'll be seeing books online, maybe in 1,000 years," the librarian said.

Australian University libraries, however, seem to be more progressive, possibly because most already have an electronic reserve that contains items such as lecture notes and special reading materials.

A spokesperson for a Sydney-based university library said they would be likely to offer an e-book service if it became available, but it would be dependant on pricing and if it could be networked with the library's system.