A Study of E-book and E-library Trends, and Future Tasks

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the historical development of e-books in terms of their “Publication, Circulation, and Use”, along with related e-library trends. The study methodology begins with the examination of past studies of e-books and e-library, followed by incorporation of recent developments. E-books were analyzed from four points of view; the trends of e-book terminals, the formats of e-books, the publication of e-books, and the issue of copyright of e-books. E-library was analyzed by the kind of library; the National Diet Library, the university library, and the public library. The results reveal two important points. The creation of an e-library platform has resulted in a clear need to investigate: (1) The management of copyright issues for e-library content, and (2) The method of organization of such library material.