ALA TechSource is sponsoring a two-part webinar/workshop on eBooks and Libraries.  The details are below.  If you’d like to read an interview with Sue Polanka, the workshop presenter, it’s available here.

Integrating E-Books and E-Readers into Your Library (ALA TechSource Workshop)

With the recent explosion in the popularity of e-reading devices, many librarians are grappling with how to effectively integrate these devices into their services and collection. In this two-session ALA TechSource workshop, Sue Polanka will provide practical guidance on how to begin purchasing e-books for your library to lend electronically and how to purchase e-reading devices for patron use.

Session 1: Purchasing E-books for Your Library
Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 4:00pm – 5:30pm Eastern

So, you want to buy e-books for your library?  This session will provide a basic primer on acquiring e-books.
This session will cover the following topics, with examples from both public and academic libraries:

• Selecting content
• Evaluating vendor offerings and interfaces (publishers and aggregators)
• Choosing the most cost effective business models
• Monitoring the workflow

Session 2: Lending E-book Readers in Your Library
Tuesday, February 1st, 2011, 4:00pm – 5:30pm Eastern

Is your library considering lending e-book readers?  This session will provide an overview of the issues surrounding library lending of e-book readers.

This session will cover the following topics, with examples from both public and academic libraries:

• Examining legal issues
• Selecting devices
• Purchasing content
• Establishing policies and procedures