E-books

Although the notion of computerized books is not new, the modern concept of an e-book is changing constantly, and definitions of e-books therefore vary, but in essence reflect both the persistent characteristics and dynamic and developing nature of eBooks. The working definition used by JISC is “an online version of printed books, accessed via the internet” (Gold Leaf, 2003, p. 9).

EBooks have the following attributes:

• They are cataloged as books.
• They are accessible via a variety of electronic formats and devices from desktop computers to mobile devices.
• They are born digital (e-book only), or are electronic copies of print books, or are items with the same content as print volumes supplemented with additional content and special features.