6 - The effect the changing digital landscape is having on the dissemination of e-books and e-journals in a world dominated by Google

Abstract

This chapter considers why the old models for the dissemination of scholarly information are increasingly under threat. While technological developments mean that search and access are easier and faster than ever before, the role of the library can become invisible, irrelevant or impossibly expensive. The chapter explores the paradox of success: a combination of Google search, authentication technology and a huge spend by libraries on e-journals provides scholars with rapid access to more articles than ever before, and studies have shown a strong correlation between this wide access to e-journals and research excellence. As public-sector cuts bite, and the number of journal articles published each year increases, libraries are struggling to sustain the provision of e-journals. In comparison, library provision of e-books is yet far from successful. The chapter considers the business models employed in scholarly communications, the drivers of emerging technologies and the role of the publishers and libraries.