Borrowing library e-books: between reality and desire

Abstract

Libraries want to lend e-books, but they are finding many problems in doing this. This paper reviews the main obstacles that libraries have to face when lending e-books. First of all, the article describes the differences in the digital publishing market around the world, but there isn´t only one global situation regarding this topic. Further barriers placed by providers and publishers, which make it difficult to lend e-books, are also analyzed. Criteria that libraries should follow in order to acquire and lend e-books to their patrons are listed. Finally, the Cielo model of e-lending in the libraries of the University of Salamanca is explained.