Duncan, R. (2010). EBOOKS AND BEYOND: THE CHALLENGE FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES. APLIS, 23(2), 44-55. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

This article talks about the rapidly increasing popularity of e-books, especially in light of the recent release of the iPad and other e-readers. Since people want to be able to get their books whenever and wherever they want, libraries must consider how to respond to public opinion.


A library in Australia took a survey to see what people's interest level in e-books and e-readers is, especially compared to their interest and usage of physical books. The survey was inconclusive on several points, but the study did indicate that regardless of how e-books affect literacy or purchasing, the number of e-books being published and sold is definitely increasing. It suggests that in order to know how to proceed, libraries should survey their patrons to find out what the interest level in their community could be for e-book access and e-audiobook access in the library. In some areas, iPods and e-reader popularity may still be in the future. Finding out about the age, gender, and technology habits of the respondents can be helpful.

As libraries, we should be considering the possible futures for e-readers and how their popularity could affect our services. The article reminds us that we need to be ready - both to help our communities offer access to those who may not have it, and to meet the demands of our patrons before they lose patience and go elsewhere for our services. It's important not only because it's popular, but because it could be the future, and we could find ourselves becoming irrelevant if we don't step up to the challenge