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Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the challenge of projecting physical book collection space in light of the emerging e‐book market.
Design/methodology/approach
Two recent papers from the Chronicle of Higher Education were contrasted to illustrate the tenuous balance between the role of libraries and their physical collections and the increasing functionality and performance of electronic books.
Findings
The paper suggests e‐books will continue to gain traction, but with an ascendency that will be slower and more complex than that of e‐journals.
Originality/value
The paper offers a jumping off point for discussion about the scholarly use of books and how these activities currently are (or are not) capable of being replicated by current e‐readers.
© Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2010
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