e-Books: I followed the directions to find an ebook (keyword search to find books, then modify the search to ebooks). I found this title:
Video Collection Development in Multi-type Libraries: A Handbook
Greenwood Library Management Collection, 0894-2986
It is a NetLibrary book. As a collection development librarian, I select ebooks on a regular basis. I am quite familar with the various ebook formats. The AurThings instructions and narrative about the various formats ebooks was excellent. They describe books from NetLibrary, from SpringerLink, and from the Hathi Trust. Unfortunately, these various formats can be rather off-putting in that there is a new learning curve for each publisher or type of ebook. But this is a criticism that is evident in other types of library resources we offer for our users. For example, it is very difficult to explain to students why they have to learn various databases, especially since each database tends to have very sophisticated search and retrieval commands. I think each database vendor thinks his or her product is "intuitive," but that's just not true. Try to take a student from LexisNexis to Factiva to CSA and watch their eyes glaze over. And send them back to the one-box, no worries Google. Search results and finding proper research materials in Google is another problem entirely, but Google is definitely the fall-back position for lots of students unless expressly forbidden by their professors.
In summary, my problem with the ebooks is their various formats and the lack of search protocol consistency. I can truly see why students are reluctant to explore the many wonderful resources we offer them in the library. As Johnny and June Cash would sing, "time's a-wastin'" as we librarians are still at the mercy of the various ebook peddlers trying to fight it out in the marketplace to come up with good usability and a standard, easy-to-use search protocol that is, first and foremost, profitable TO THEM. Where is Z39.50 when you need it? Or ISO standard 23950? Where is a better standard or set of standards than Z30.50 when you need it/them? Or are the standards just fine, but the way they are implemented--by the vendors who often hold librarians hostage--intentionally not consistent?
In summary, my problem with the ebooks is their various formats and the lack of search protocol consistency. I can truly see why students are reluctant to explore the many wonderful resources we offer them in the library. As Johnny and June Cash would sing, "time's a-wastin'" as we librarians are still at the mercy of the various ebook peddlers trying to fight it out in the marketplace to come up with good usability and a standard, easy-to-use search protocol that is, first and foremost, profitable TO THEM. Where is Z39.50 when you need it? Or ISO standard 23950? Where is a better standard or set of standards than Z30.50 when you need it/them? Or are the standards just fine, but the way they are implemented--by the vendors who often hold librarians hostage--intentionally not consistent?
Explore Skillsoft: I typed in the URL listed in AurThings to access my CU Portal. Followed the instructions and after several false starts with the screens, found that this is the best link to all the training and ebooks available from CU: https://www.cu.edu/eld/
I hope I will have (or can make) time in the new year to explore some of these rich online sources. Thanks for reminding us that this is available for us (and has been for several years) and can be accessed 24/7. Nice resource.
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