The Viewpoint of Library Directors on the Introduction of E-book Services in Japanese Public Libraries
Naoya Mitani, Emi Ishita, Yukiko Watanabe · iConference 2014 Proceedings · 2014
In this paper, we aim to make clear what problems might occur when public libraries in Japan introduce e-books. We conducted semi-structured interviews with nine public library directors. These interviews revealed a wide range of opinions about e-book use in public libraries. Seven main factors emerged: a) necessity of e-book introduction, b) recognition of e-books, c) budget for e-books, d) management of e-books, e) difference between public library users and e-book users, f) accessibility of e-books, and g) digitalization of library resources. We also analyzed the differences in perspectives on e-books between two kinds of public library management styles.