Use of Ebooks in the Enterprise
Jinfo Blog

By Elizabeth Trudell

Abstract

FreePint is examining the deployment and use of ebooks in enterprise settings through several articles on sources, platforms, licensing and more. Ebooks are of interest in corporate environments, but not yet very well researched or understood. Complete our brief survey, then watch for coming articles on publishers, platforms, licensing models and more.

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Over the past two years, FreePint has fielded many questions from information managers trying to understand how ebooks can and should be part of their organisations' content strategies.

As the use of tablets, eReaders and smartphones has become widespread, more and more people are doing their personal reading on multiple devices. There is evidence that ebooks supplement rather than replace print. A study done in 2014 by the St Ives Group found that those using both physical and ebooks read nearly 50% more than those who only use one format. The convenience of access to ebooks on multi-purpose devices, especially for travellers, is compelling.

Yet, as with many technologies that affect information usage, uptake in the professional environment does not necessarily match that of consumer or academic use. 

First, We Research

While there has been quite a bit of research done on ebook use in academic settings (as shown by this paper from the Pratt Institute), there has been little assessment of enterprise use in corporate settings. Does the type of book content made available for business and professional use lend itself to research needs? Are information centres incorporating ebooks into their digital collections?

To answer these questions, we have designed a brief FreePint Survey: Ebooks in the Enterprise. Please take 5 minutes to provide your input on which providers you use, what influences usage and choices, and what you expect to demand to look like in the future. Your input is anonymous, but if you provide an email address we'll send you a copy of the resulting report.

Market Overview

In addition to the survey, we're developing several articles on:

• Summarising the competitive landscape, in terms of providers, content available and options
• Review of ebook contract and pricing models, such as pay-per-view, patron-driven acquisition and unlimited use subscriptions
• Case studies of ebook projects in corporate environments.

We aim to provide a snapshot of the use of ebooks in the enterprise as of 2015. It will be a resource for information centre managers who are currently in the process of assessing the viability of ebooks for their organisations or seeking to gain an understanding of the content and contract options. 

Watch for related articles, and complete the brief survey today.

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