School Library Connection Archive

Building the Collection

Course
The eBook Collection [6:47]
  • Learn both the advantages and the challenges to consider when building the eBook collection.
  • Learn various budgeting considerations for eBook acquisitions.
  • Learn how to approach selection criteria, including the weeding process, for an eBook collection.
An inclusive school library includes an eBook collection. According to a 2021 School Library Journal survey, school librarians are increasing their book budget spending on digital books. On average, 26% of the book budget is spent on building an eBook collection. In this lesson, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of building an eBook collection, we will think about budgeting considerations for book acquisitions, and finally look at how to approach selection criteria.

The higher the grade level, the larger the percentage of spending toward eBooks. There are a number of questions to consider when building an eBook collection. Do students have access to devices that support eBooks both at home and at school? Will teachers and students use eBooks to achieve curriculum goals? If yes, will multiple readers require access to the same eBook at the same time? Which eBook platforms, if any, does the library currently have access to? How can access to eBook be promoted within my school for both educational and entertainment purposes? The answers to these questions will help determine what percentage of your book budget should be allocated toward the eBook collection.

Building a strong eBook collection has many advantages. Students have greater privacy. Readers can customize their experience with font type, size, and color contrast. They can highlight passages and use text-to-speech and note-taking options. eBooks do not require physical returns, nor do they require maintenance for wear and tear. Additionally, shelf space is irrelevant and paper supplies are not wasted. However, as all humans learn and navigate information differently, there are other factors to take into consideration when building an eBook collection.

The usability of the eBook access platform is critical. If there are too many steps that feel overwhelming, and if too many eBook platforms exist within one library, users may feel discouraged from accessing the collection. Consider the ways in which eBook vendors can be integrated so that the user has to learn how to access and navigate minimal digital platforms. At the very least, ensure that eBooks that originate from different platforms are all on one landing page and at best are integrated into a single sign on. Tools such as Clever offer digital platforms to streamline access and improve usability. A significant challenge for an eBook collection is making its digital presence known so that it is valued and used. You must market your eBook collection. Host a Reading ReKindled eBook club or share simple how to guides to access the collection.

There are also a variety of different purchasing models for eBooks. Database vendors often have a collection of nonfiction eBooks that are included in their subscriptions. Stand alone vendors, such as Tumblebooks, sometimes discount their annual subscription for purchasing consortiums. When school libraries join purchasing consortiums that provide access to eBook platforms like Overdrive, often the collection is pre-established and shared among each of the member schools. It is possible to customize these collections and add books of your choosing to your specific collection. However, keep in mind that individual eBook purchases can be expensive. The publisher's licensing models vary, too, allowing for single user access, class set access, or unlimited simultaneous access. Often, school librarians will establish eBook collections comprised of different models. For example, they may join a consortium that includes a pre-existing book collection through a digital platform like Overdrive, with the option to purchase single books when the need arises. Additionally, they may subscribe to other standalone vendors like Tumblebooks, while also offering access to eBooks through their database subscriptions. Some eBook libraries are free like Project Gutenberg, OverDrive's Sora app offers multi-user licenses at no extra cost during summer months on select books under their Sora's Sweet Reads program.

The same selection criteria that are used for print books should be used for eBook acquisitions. Additionally, the same policies that are in place for reading print books should be put in place for eBooks, too. You can search eBooks by date added and copyright and review circulation statistics to determine which titles to weed. While space can feel limitless in an eBook collection, be mindful of the user experience and avoid the need for exhaustive searches to identify relevant, appealing titles.

Building an eBook collection can feel overwhelming with different eBook access platforms, price models, and licensing agreements. However, begin by offering access to at least one eBook collection with the option to customize. You will be off to a great start.
Discover eBook Platforms

School librarians must highlight digital collections with intention so that patrons can take advantage of the flexible perks associated with having access to eReader platforms. The digital age allows for reaching even more users with added customization of the reader's experience. However, if patrons can't "see" the collection as they walk into the physical library, how do we highlight ebook collections so that the benefits can be enjoyed? Read Jane Farrell and Jennifer Hendry's article, "Ramping Up eBook Excitement" in the Resources below and complete the Reflect & Practice activity.

RESOURCES:

REFLECT & PRACTICE:

After reading the article and exploring the different strategies to encourage eBook excitement, use the chart on page 22 of the Course Packet (found in the Resources above) to explore three eBook access platforms that you are not currently familiar with and identify one marketing strategy for each resource to highlight its accessibility and encourage usage.

MLA Citation

Brown, Stacy. "Building the Collection: Discover eBook Platforms." School Library Connection, February 2023, schoollibraryconnection.com/Content/Course/2295733?learningModuleId=2293930&topicCenterId=2293930.

Entry ID: 2295751

Additional Resources

Bibliography.

About the Author

Stacy Brown, MLIS, is the 21st-century learning coordinator at the Davis Academy, Atlanta, GA. Stacy earned a bachelor's in English and a minor in French from the University of Texas at Austin, and a master's in library and information sciences from Florida State University. She is the author of The School Librarian's Technology Playbook: Innovative Strategies to Inspire Teachers and Learners and chairs AASL's Collaborative School Library Award Committee. Stacy served as a visiting professor at the University of Washington's iSchool teaching about marketing for libraries and information organizations. Stacy shares technology integration strategies and innovative library programming on Twitter @21stStacy. She can be reached via email at stacybrownreads@gmail.com.

MLA Citation

Brown, Stacy. "Building the Collection. The eBook Collection [6:47]." School Library Connection, ABC-CLIO, February 2023, schoollibraryconnection.com/Content/Course/2295733?learningModuleId=2293930&topicCenterId=2293930.

View all citation styles

https://schoollibraryconnection.com/Content/Course/2295733?learningModuleId=2293930&topicCenterId=2293930

Entry ID: 2295733

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