Author: Linda Bennett (Gold Leaf)
ISBN: 0-907341-33-0 / 978-0-907341-33-8
128 pages, paperback, 297 x 145mm
Non Members (Print & PDF) £120.00
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This report explores in depth the attributes and features of the main aggregator platforms, providing a comprehensive and detailed evaluation. The commercial and pedagogical advantages and drawbacks of e-books are also described from the different perspectives of publishers, librarians and academics.
Five distinct aggregator groups of e-book providers are examined in detail: 'general' aggregators; 'specialist' aggregators; online journals aggregators who also host hosting e-book collections; digital warehouses; and library suppliers.
The options available to publishers considering the development of their own e-book platforms 'from scratch' are considered. Three case studies explore the experiences of publishers who have already developed e-book strategies.
Key features include:
- The most comprehensive evaluation of e-book platforms and aggregators to appear to date.
- The technologies on which the platforms are based and their precise attributes and functional features.
- Precise purchase/licensing models that each operates.
- Sets out how DRM and encryption is managed, and how securely.
- How many titles the aggregator holds.
- How many customers the aggregator deals with, and in which geographical regions.
- Pricing models, and how publishers are paid.
- Financial stability.
- The types of marketing support offered to publishers.