Demand for Library Digital Content Up but Not for eBooks in Firm Libraries

With brick-and-mortar book stores turning into endangered species, libraries were one of the few places where people could go if they wanted to get actual spine-bound books without logging on to a computer. But now, even libraries are starting to embrace the digital age.

In a new study released September 4 by Information Today Inc., libraries report they are experiencing a sharp increase in demand for electronic material and are increasing their spending on acquiring ebooks, online databases and other electronic products. The ProQuest-sponsored study was based on 796 responding library managers and librarians, and was conducted by the Library Resource Guide in conjunction with Unisphere Research, the market research division of Information Today.

The study found that funding for libraries is relatively flat due to the uncertain economy, and libraries are choosing to devote what incoming revenue they have to augmenting their digital and online offerings. According to the study, responding libraries in 2013 are devoting approximately 28% of their budgets to acquiring content, which is consistent with the previous two years. While the respondents still spend the largest chunk of their budget on printed books (37%), that percentage is a decrease from the previous two years (39% in both 2011 and 2012). The biggest increases are in the electronic realm, where the respondents report spending 29% on online databases (up from 25% in 2012 and 19% in 2011) and 6% on ebooks (up from 3% in 2011 and 2012).

As for newspapers, magazines and other periodicals, the decrease is even more stark. Respondents are spending 14% of their budget on periodicals – down considerably from 18% in 2012 and 23% in 2011. Additionally, nearly half of the responding libraries (49%) said that they cut back on print subscriptions as a way to reduce costs.

Meanwhile, the report finds that digital is king in other ways. A whopping 60% of responding libraries said that they plan on increasing digital access, as well as the availability of online publications, in 2014. The survey also finds that ebook acquisitions are one of the few areas seeing a huge influx of spending among libraries, with the percentage of libraries reporting increased spending doubling from 19% in 2011 to 39% in 2013. Demand for electronic publications and services has also increased considerably. According to the survey, nearly 70% of library patrons have requested more ebooks, while approximately 60% have asked for more wireless and computer/web access.

"There has been a continuing significant shift from print to digital in libraries of all types, a trend that continues to accelerate," wrote Joseph McKendrick, research analyst at Unisphere. "Close to three fourths of respondents, 74%, report that demand for their libraries’ electronic offerings have increased over the past year—the same fast pace as previous surveys. At the same time, demand for print-based offerings is falling precipitously."

John DiGilio, national manager of research services at Reed Smith tells LTN that the study's findings of a recent shift by libraries towards digital products are nothing new to the law firm world. According to DiGilio, law firm libraries started the transition a few years ago as the economic downturn forced them to cut staff and reduce their physical holdings. "We had already adopted Lexis and Westlaw," said DiGilio. "We added electronic versions of treatises and secondary sources. The firm has worked hard to roll those out for attorneys."

DiGilio also notes that demand for electronic materials has increased dramatically as lawyers have become more reliant on mobile devices and the internet. One area where DiGilio has seen a radical shift is in periodicals. "If there's news, lawyers want it immediately on their phones, mobile devices or computers," said DiGilio. "The days of running newspaper or magazine articles to them are gone."