Equality in e-book access: e-book reading devices in the public library

Abstract

As e-book reading devices continue to improve and more titles become available, public libraries are collaborating with Web-based e-book providers to integrate this new format into their catalogs and distribute electronic content to patrons while at the same time protecting copyrights. E-books present a potential cost savings, and public libraries should not fail to embrace this technology, but strategies should be developed to ensure patrons have equal access to this digital information. Public libraries should make devices available to patrons in order to combat exclusivity and to ensure that e-books do not serve to deepen the digital divide.