CIC libraries made a major ebook purchase from scientific publishers Elsevier and Wily-Blackwell. The purchases included approximately 2200 Wiley-Blackwell titles covering the 2007 and 2009 publishing years, and 1500 Elsevier books from 2008-2010. By merging the collective purchasing power of its members, the CIC was able to make these purchases at a significantly discounted rate.
The libraries like ebooks because they have more functionality than print books and allow 24-7 availability; accessibility to those with print disabilities; translation capabilities; easy integration with course management tools; and the ability to support distance-learning programs, among others. More info here.
