As part of its work on the 2011-2012 Key Initiatives, the IFLA Governing Board appointed a working group to draft a background paper on digital lending. At its April meeting the IFLA Governing Board endorsed this paper, and we are now pleased to present a version for download.

The paper attempts to:

  • Provide an overview of the issues relating to eBooks in libraries;
  • Summarise the current positions of publishers in both the scholarly publishing and trade publishing sectors;
  • Summarise the differences in the way that academic/research libraries and public libraries address the issue of digital collections;
  • Address the legal context for eLending and library principles that must be upheld in any suitable models;
  • Provide a detailed legal analysis of e-Lending

The e-Lending environment is changing rapidly at this point in time, and the paper will be reassessed in the coming months in light of any significant developments. Revisions of the paper may take place in light of any assessment.

IFLA continues to work in this area has been liaising with EBLIDA, the ALA and others as we seek to understand the implications for the delivery of high quality library services in the 21st century. Considering just how important any developments in this area are for libraries around the world, IFLA encourages interested individuals or institutions to share experiences, information or reports with our e-Lending working group. Any information can be sent to Stephen Wyber, Manager of Policy and Advocacy, at IFLA HQ: stephen.wyber@ifla.org.

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