Evolution of eBooks on Demand Web-Based Service: A Perspective through Surveys

Abstract

In 2007 a document delivery service eBooks on Demand (EOD) was launched by 13 libraries from 8 European countries. It enables users to request digitisation of public domain books. By 2013 the self-sustained network has enlarged to 35 libraries in 12 countries and generated thousands of PDF e-books. Several surveys have been carried out to design the service to be relevant and attractive for end-users and libraries. The current paper explores the EOD service through a retrospective overview of the surveys, describes the status quo including ongoing improvements and suggests further surveys. The focus of the surveys illustrates the benchmarks (such as user groups and their expectations, evaluation of the service environment and form of outcomes, business to business opportunities and professional networking) that have been achieved to run an effective library service. It aims to be a possible model for libraries to start and develop a service.