EBL addresses the needs of academic and research libraries…

Rather than trying to create a model that will satisfy all libraries, EBL focuses on the specific needs of academic and research-based libraries. EBL aims to...

Aggregate relevant and recent titles – Global STM Focus
Although EBL offers content across all subject areas, the initial focus is on recent titles – most specifically in the areas of Science, Technology and Medicine (STM). EBL features content from publishers worldwide, including the largest offering of Australian ebooks available.

Enhance functionality and accessibility
EBL features innovative functionality such as:

• Multiple concurrent access
• Online and offline access solutions
• Read aloud for all titles
• Chapters for reserve circulation and coursepacks
• Browse full-text for students before borrowing and for faculty before purchasing
• Full-text search across catalogue

Parallel existing library processes
EBL parallels existing library workflows by integrating with third party book distributors, including Dawson Books and Blackwell's, for easy acquisition and with ILS systems for catalogue management.

EBL approaches lending differently…

EBL uses technology to make content more accessible, not to lock it away with rigid access rules. EBL offers flexible access models including Non-Linear Lending™, unlimited access, and short-term circulation.

Multiple concurrent access
Non-Linear Lending^TM is a system which surpasses the traditional print model of limiting access to one patron at a time. Non-Linear Lending^TM limits the total number of lending days per year per title but enables multiple-concurrent access.

Online and offline access solutions
Patrons can browse all books and utilise full-text search within the browser. Titles can be accessed either online, through EBL’s PDF-based reader, or by downloading Adobe Acrobat ebooks to a PC, laptop or PDA for offline use.

Short Term Circulation
EBL's pay-per-use model which provides a ‘just-in-time’ solution for libraries and patrons and a possible alternative to interlibrary loan.

Chapters for Reserve Lending, Course-packs and purchase
Using virtual photocopy technology, EBL can produce chapters on the fly. Chapters can be utilised for purchase by students, for reserve lending by libraries, for inclusion in ePack course-packs.

EBL takes a collaborative approach…

Ebooks Corporation has enlisted a group of project advisors made up of key academic and research librarians, library consultants, library software vendors and technology providers to collaborate in the development and testing of EBL.

Advising Partners
The following libraries and organizations have contributed to the EBL model:

• CERN - European Organisation for Nuclear Research - Switzerland
• Yale University Library – USA
• Curtin University of Technology – Australia
• North Carolina State University – USA
• R2 Consulting (Academic Library Consultants) – USA
• Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) - Australia
• Adobe - International