Introduction

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) released the eLending Background Paper in 2012 followed by a commissioned think piece and the Principles for Library eLending. The Background Paper intended 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 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 eLending.

The Background Paper acknowledged that the eLending environment is changing rapidly and that the paper would need to be reassessed in light of any significant developments. Since 2012 the Principles have been updated twice in light of changes in jurisprudence and changing practice.

This paper is intended to consider changes which have occurred since the Background Paper was issued.

The eLending background paper will be revised on a regular basis.

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