The purpose of this Master’s thesis is to identify the potential and the limitations of e-book lending in Swedish public libraries through a case study of Sollentuna Library. The theoretical framework is made up of concepts derived from the work of both Rogers and Winston concerning the diffusion of innovations. The main obstacles and supportive factors for e-book lending in a public library were identified. The study reveals that contracts with e-book distributors are costly for libraries. First-time users find use of the service complicated and the library experience a loss of control over their e-book stocks through the current licensing system. Factors supporting e-book lending include the library’s decision to include the distributors’ entire e-book supply. This led to a significantly increased number of e-book loans. Ongoing work with the development of e-book help services such as workshops and individual assistance supports use of the service. Furthermore, e-book reading is actively encouraged through the library web service. In conclusion, the complexity of the e-book as a separate technical phenomenon requires public libraries to find new methods of working that suit the e-book's potential as a technological innovation. E-book lending has become a compromise between the interests of the library users and the commercial interests of the publishers.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:hb-910 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Holmstedt, Linn, Topelius, Stefanie |
| Publisher | Högskolan i Borås, Akademin för bibliotek, information, pedagogik och IT, Högskolan i Borås, Akademin för bibliotek, information, pedagogik och IT |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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