Iowa’s three public universities have purchased more than 700 “electronic books” that they’ll share among their libraries. University of Iowa librarian Ed Shreeves says instead of a paper-and-ink book on a shelf, it’ll be a file in the campus computer system.
Shreeves says access will be limited to students and faculty, and the user will be limited to an hour or two of access at a time
Another limitation: even though the book’s essentially online, for now only one person at a time can “read” the e-book.
The schools are trying to rewrite their contracts with publishers of electronic books, but the creators worry about losing other sales. The three regents institutions also share access to more than 700 scientific journals and other materials, and librarian Shreeves says those are more likely to “go digital”. Shreeves believes “real” books will always be around. The State Board of Regents which governs Iowa, Iowa State and U-N-I meets later this week and will get a report on how the e-books are working.