E-textbook business models trials
31st July, 2008JISC Collections, as part of the JISC national e-books observatory project, has been awarded JISC funding to undertake a study on the management and economic impact of e-textbook business models on publishers, e-book aggregators and higher and education institutions.
The study will review and analyse current business models available for course texts and e-textbooks and following a range of discussions, identify up to six business models for trial. Publishers, e-book aggregators and HE institutions will be invited to participate in the trials and awarded funding in recognition of the time and effort required to implement and monitor the trial. It is anticipated that the trials will start in January 2009. Case studies will be produced on each trial and a final report with recommendations made available.
The core aims of the study are:
- To analyse the economics of a selection of business models for e-textbooks and course text e-books in terms of impact on publisher print sales / revenue and library budgets
- To assess the management of a selection of business models for e-textbooks and course text e-books in terms of administrative burden and ease of implementation
- To make recommendations about business models for e-textbooks and course texts e-books following the trials that are sustainable both in terms of profitability and value for money
A consultant will manage the study. The consultant will have previous experience in economic modelling, an understanding and knowledge of the e-books market and higher education libraries and an understanding of the economics associated with e-book business models.
The consultancy will start in November 2008 and run till mid 2010.