Electronic Book Acquisition Strategies in Academic Libraries: A Review of the Literature
| dc.contributor.author | Scott, Rachel E. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Arthur, Michael A. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-07-29T15:13:05Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-07-29T15:13:05Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-04 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Electronic book (e-book) acquisition models have evolved over the decades they have been available to library customers. This review leverages findings from scholarly literature to document the proliferation and evolution of e-book acquisitions models, their strengths and weaknesses in various contexts, and their role in the collection development strategies of academic libraries. From firm orders and subscription packages to demand-driven and evidence-based acquisitions, engagement with e-book acquisitions models varies considerably based on factors such as library budget and staffing, institutional curriculum and programs, consortial affiliations, support for textbook affordability initiatives, and COVID-19 responses. The findings from this literature review suggest multiple acquisition models are frequently used in combination; librarians closely monitor e-book expenditures and use, regularly modifying acquisitions parameters; and e-book strategy is dependent on institutional goals, library budgets, consortial participation, and marketplace realities. Additionally, the increased availability of e-books and their acquisitions models have created opportunities for research that compares the efficiency and effectiveness of e-book purchasing models and draws on existing and evolving evaluative models to establish benchmarks for measuring success. | |
| dc.description.version | author accepted manuscript (AAM) | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Scott, R.E. & Arthur, M.A. (2026, April). Electronic book acquisition strategies in academic libraries: A review of the literature. portal: Libraries and the Academy. | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 1530-7131 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir.ua.edu/handle/123456789/16740 | |
| dc.language | English | |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | |
| dc.publisher | Johns Hopkins University Press | |
| dc.subject | acquisitions | |
| dc.subject | electronic books | |
| dc.subject | academic libraries | |
| dc.subject | collection development | |
| dc.title | Electronic Book Acquisition Strategies in Academic Libraries: A Review of the Literature | |
| dc.type | Article | |
| publicationissue.issueNumber | 2 | |
| publicationvolume.volumeNumber | 26 |