Abstract

The electronic publishing sector has experienced a slowdown over the past two years; however, one segment has grown. The audiobook has seen extraordinary growth in all advanced countries. It is not a new genre, since it dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, but audiobook producers have exploited the audiobook’s maximum possibilities by optimizing the benefits for very diverse contexts, for all kinds of daily activities. Research into audiobooks raises some important points for discussion that are analyzed in this article, such as the relationship between comprehension and hearing, the differences between auditory and print environments, quality control systems in relation to their presentation, and dissemination systems. An analysis of these points also includes the read-listen dilemma as measurement parameters from the point of view of the consideration of this new genre as a part of the reading concept.

Abstract

Libraries want to lend e-books, but they are finding many problems in doing this. This paper reviews the main obstacles that libraries have to face when lending e-books. First of all, the article describes the differences in the digital publishing market around the world, but there isn’t only one global situation regarding this topic. Further barriers placed by providers and publishers, which make it difficult to lend e-books, are also analyzed. Criteria that libraries should follow in order to acquire and lend e-books to their patrons are listed. Finally, the Cielo model of e-lending in the libraries of the University of Salamanca is explained.

Abstract

2010 could be the year in which the arrival and consolidation in the market of several models of mobile devices for reading books and online dailies becomes real. This year, new electronic tablets will be launched, together with e-reader and e-ink systems. Tablets already were announced in the nineties but they are prepared to conquer the market this year. Wired and Sports Illustrated are presenting new editions for such mobile devices. HP and Apple have presented their models (Slate and iPad), and in the meantime a patents war could put an end to the era of flash dominance for multimedia contents. Different firms are trying to keep their advantage and knowledge acquired over centuries of print production while making the transition to electronic dissemination.

Abstract

This work presents trends and models for electronic publishing of nonfiction books, with emphasis on education resources. The context of institutional publishers (universities, cultural centres) is outlined, from the point of view of global online publishing strategies that try to improve productivity by combining technologies and open licenses, innovations in format, and content repurposing and reuse.

Abstract

A review of the major characteristics of e-books, both as reading appliances and as content, includes a description of advantages and disadvantages, functionality, intellectual property, acceptance, market, and other considerations. The multiple different formats, devices and prices, and the absence of an important social base of users of this kind of device dedicated only to reading, make the e-book a product with a still uncertain future.

Abstract

The experience of the Library of the Faculty of Law of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) is presented, where patrons use tablets to access books that have been acquired in electronic format. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of titles that are being distributed in paper with an electronic copy attached (duo). These are characterized by the indivisibility of the pack and the increase in their price. This system encourages both the individual and private use of the copies by using a code associated with the user’s profile. The creation of a specific system based on the use of a tablet in order to provide the user public access to these copies is described. The system duplicates the number of copies available to users. In addition to access to e-books, a selection of electronic resources and programs previously offered by the University has been included in the tablets. The tablets are also configured for teaching uses, both for seminars and exams.

Abstract

Over the course of history, the book and its environment have been in permanent transformation, undergoing changes that have affected its format, textual arrangement, form of reading, and production and distribution systems, as well as its social consideration as an instrument for the transmission of knowledge. One of the greatest changes has taken place in the 21st century with the emergence of digital formats throughout the publishing value chain. If in previous eras the transformations had affected one or other of the mentioned elements, the digital revolution has impacted on all of them simultaneously, as it has modified the ways in which works are created, produced, distributed, and consumed. Also, it has introduced for the first time an element of intermediation between the reader and reading: the device, which, in its different varieties, implies an element of additional complexity. At the present time, and after almost two decades, we can see the advances and setbacks that have occurred on this journey; the achievements and shortcomings from the publishing point of view, in which a strengthening of the big companies can be appreciated; and the emergence of a system of self-publishing that represents a rupture with traditional systems. From the point of view of authorship, the value of the brand, of charisma and prestige, has been emphasised, while a movement of creation is taking place on the fringes of the system that renounces posterity and recognition in favour of visibility. This approach to authorship is also subject to the influx and influence of social networks with their positive effects, in the form of projection, and negative ones, in the form of new ways of censure. Finally, in terms of reading, there is an ambivalent route that runs between the paths of a very strong tradition, linked to the printed book, and digital reading, established from the point of view of practices, but in its more conservative and imitative side with respect to analogue formats; in the digital sphere, new proposals and more innovative initiatives which are attracting the attention of growing but still minority sectors of society are emerging. The digital environment is progressing and consolidating, but it has not yet taken advantage of all the potential that technological advances could provide.

Abstract

The most important events of 2009 in the world of libraries are noted. There are three main areas: technology, information and libraries themselves. The first area includes the development of integrated library management systems and the situation of the so-called discovery tools. In the information area, major developments in digitization of content are discussed, focusing on Google Books and Europeana and mentioning the impact of economic crisis on a library’s ability to purchase information. Regarding libraries in general, 2009 highlights were Oclc internationalization and the new roles that libraries can assume in an environment that blurs their duties. Finally, challenges for libraries in 2010 are identified: to continue incorporating electronic information, keep adjusting to a changing environment, and find a way to create an alliance that would include files, libraries and museums.

Abstract

Electronic books have experienced a series of transformations throughout 2014 that affec the entire value chain of the book –authors, publishers, libraries and readers-. Some of the movements begun in previous years were consolidated in 2014, such as growth in the worldwide production of electronic books, development of new reading devices, or increases in digital reading and digital library loans. At the same time new aspects emerged, including strong development of mobile and connected reading, self publishing or business models associated with streaming modes for reading and subscription. These processes are analyzed and the scope and future possibilities are assessed.

Abstract

Summary of developments presented at the traditional annual congress of Swets users held on June 4, 2009 in Barcelona: the tool SwetsWise Selection Support, PressDisplay news portal, the ALPSP Learned Journals Collection, and the e-book platform MyiLibrary. e-Books sales are soaring.