E-book pilot program at 8 universities — Shared-use of e-books in university libraries. First step to full-fledged e-book services
On October 1, 2013, eight universities began a pilot program through their respective university libraries in the shared-use of e-books. The eight universities are: Keio University, Osaka University, Kobe University, The University of Tokyo, Nagoya University, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, the University of Fukui, and Ritsumeikan University. Keio University is currently managing the program.
Heretofore, experimental trials in e-book usage have been conducted singly at universities and in departments; however, this pilot program is the first large-scale, joint program involving 8 universities.
In this program, university libraries will lend an iPad or other similar devices with the necessary software/app to users for a certain period of time to test the usability of the devices, study navigation systems for locating e-books available for reading, survey what books students and researchers want to read on electronic devices, and deliver e-textbooks in a trial usage.
This program will enable the university libraries to collect basic date for the implementation of full-fledged e-book services. Participating universities will negotiate the practical use of this service with publishing companies.
The organizers hope to promote digitized Japanese academic books in these trials at the participating universities and through dialogue with publishing companies.
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