In regards to data element 451 Electronic Books (E-Books) approved for change beginning FY 2015. http://plsc.pbworks.com/w/page/96205107/Data%20Element%20Definitions%20-%20FY2015 

May 13, 2015

Question

Terry Blauvelt (MO)

With the acceptance of the 451 Electronic Books definition change, it appears Freading and Ebrary materials will now be counted as it seems they meet the new definition. Are there other vendors that meet the new definition that did not previously?

SDC Comments

Amy Heebner (NY)

Does Zinio meet the new definition?

Laura Stone (AZ)

I would not include Zinio. My experience with Zinio is that a digital copy of the magazine is downloaded, but never returned. The definition says: Do not include items that are permanently retained by the patron; count only items that have a set circulation period where it is available for their use.

Terry Blauvelt (MO)

I plan on using the following parameters for e-book qualification (must meet all three)

1.            Held by the patron for a limited time (set circulation period)

2.            Accessible with a valid library card

3.            Finite simultaneous use

Scott Dermont (IA)

I have been including Zinio. The main reason is that the libraries purchase the subscriptions individually. So they “own” the title rather than just subscribing to a large database. I guess I can justify the downloaded but never returned element by comparing it to an in house use. In my mind it is different from Freegal in that the library still owns the item after the patron downloads it. Unlike Freegal where they are just giving the downloads away.

A fine line indeed.