%0 Journal Article %T E-book usage amongst academic librarians in South Africa %A Sandy Zinn %A Natasha Langdown %J South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science %D 2011 %I Stellenbosch University %R 10.7553/77-2-53 %X The purpose of this study completed in 2010 was to investigate the use of e-books amongst academic librarians; in particular which e-books are available to academic librarians, why they choose this format, what impact e-books have on librarians¡¯ professional practice and what the usage patterns of e-books are amongst academic librarians. A web-based questionnaire was distributed on the LIASA mailing list. The results reflect a more gradual trend towards e-book adoption. There is still a preference for print or a ¡°bit of both¡± ¨C print and electronic. This is because of the high costs of e-books using the subscription model as the predominant e-book acquisition model and the lack of sufficient e-books in all subject fields. E-books are used for ¡°browsing for information¡± and are selected for functionalities such as having the ability to search the document, anytime access and automatic citation. Major problems identified with e-books are: the cost of the equipment to read e-book formats; the cost of the e-books, especially if the subscription purchasing model is used; the lack of reliability of the Internet; and the lack of training in the use of e-books. %K Electronic books %K academic librarians %K e-book usage %K e-book publishing %K South Africa %U http://sajlis.journals.ac.za/pub/article/view/53