2013 Survey of Ebook Usage in U.S. Public Libraries

Library Journal, in cooperation with School Library Journal, has released the “2013 Survey of Ebook Usage in U.S. Public Libraries” report. It is the fourth annual survey covering ebook collections and usage. Over the years the report has given insight into how ebook collections are being cultivated and how patrons are responding to them and, in growing numbers, helping to shape them. Ebook collections: In the 2013 survey, the report shows a plateau of libraries offering ebooks – 89% for both 2012 and 2013. Although there was a plateau in the number of libraries offering ebooks, those that do are increasing the size of their collections. The growth, however, is not as big as was seen in 2012. Fiction titles comprise the majority of ebook collections at 74% while 26% are nonfiction titles. Ebook usage: The 2012 survey reported on the explosion of demand for ebooks from patrons while the 2013 report indicates demand has tapered but still remains high. With this demand, ebook circulation has increased more than four-fold since the survey began in 2010. Patrons are looking for popular titles in ebook format but are finding limited access, mainly due to publisher restrictions. However, the report mentions some positive examples that may help alleviate lack of access. One example is Penguin stating they will start licensing their ebooks to vendors Overdrive and Baker & Taylor. Ebook challenges: Despite the shortage of availability of popular titles, money was still seen as the biggest barrier to expanding ebook offerings. Adoption of ebooks in rural areas remains slow due to budget issues but also a reported lack of interest. Another challenge reported by libraries was the daily requests from patrons for assistance with the technical aspects of using ebooks. Questions about how to download and which devices they can download to were commonplace. Other areas highlighted in the report were purchasing terms, devices used by patrons, patron-driven acquisition, and library borrowing policies for ereaders and tablets. Free downloads of both the “2013 Survey of Ebook Usage in U.S. Public Libraries” and the “2013 Survey of Ebook Usage in U.S. School Libraries” are available online.