Stretching Your Library’s E-Books Budget

Abstract

What is the most effective way to spend your e-book budget? Should you focus on popular items or create a comprehensive collection? Should you join a consortium to increase your library’s buying power? How do you find one? Can you start one in your area? Join Kathy Petlewski, electronic resources librarian at the Plymouth District (Mich.) Library, to get answers to these questions and more. Kathy shares ideas and tips for you to consider when making decisions about how to spend your library's e-book budget. You’ll gain insights on how to spend your budget effectively, where to find free or less expensive e-books, and hear about the pros and cons of starting or joining a consortium. This archived webinar was originally presented April 24, 2012, as the second of four webinars in the 2012 "Public Librarian’s Guide to E-Books: A PLA Webinar Series." Running time: 58 minutes.

Description

What is the most effective way to spend your e-book budget? Should you focus on popular items or create a comprehensive collection? Should you join a consortium to increase your library’s buying power? How do you find one? Can you start one in your area? Join Kathy Petlewski, electronic resources librarian at the Plymouth District (Mich.) Library, to get answers to these questions and more. Kathy shares ideas and tips for you to consider when making decisions about how to spend your library's e-book budget. You’ll gain insights on how to spend your budget effectively, where to find free or less expensive e-books, and hear about the pros and cons of starting or joining a consortium. This archived webinar was originally presented April 24, 2012, as the second of four webinars in the 2012 "Public Librarian’s Guide to E-Books: A PLA Webinar Series." Running time: 58 minutes. Learning Outcomes: At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will: Learn ideas and tips to consider when making decisions about how to spend your library's e-book budget; Learn where to find free or less expensive e-books; Hear a detailed discussion about the pros and cons of starting or joining a consortium. Instructor: Kathy Petlewski is the electronic resources librarian at the Plymouth District (Mich.) Library where she has worked for more than twenty-five years. Kathy also conducts training classes on "E-Reader Patron Support for Library Staff" for the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services. She currently serves as the chairperson for the Michigan Digital Libraries Consortium, a group of twenty-five libraries located across Michigan sharing a collection of e-books and e-audio books through Overdrive. Her blog, “Thoughts from a Well-Rounded Librarian” (http://kpetlewski.wordpress.com), chronicles her experiences and musings on the world of libraries and e-books.

Keywords

ebook, e-book, ereader, e-reader, kindle, nook, technology, webinar, ipad, budget, consortium

Citation

DOI