Abstract
Rather than create a collection solely to support distance learners, libraries should consider the needs of all customers when developing a digital library. The acceptance of digital libraries is dependant upon the conversion of resources to an electronic format that is easy to use and is fully searchable. While electronic journals are widely accepted by most academic library customers, the delivery of online books has
had a very different acceptance rate. Rather than support the sequential reading of books, electronic books are commonly used to find information and can be particularly well-suited for reference purposes. This article will provide insight into the history of e-book models and evaluate the usage statistics of a large electronic book collection in an academic library.

Ellen is Senior Associate Library Director for Public Services and Strategy at the University of Texas, Dallas. She has presented nationally and internationally on electronic books and journals including sessions at the Charleston Conference, NASIG, Texas Library Association, Brick and Click, and Libraries without Walls 6. In addition, she recently completed an Amigos Fellowship on the feasibility of creating an online curriculum library.

The University of Texas, Dallas has 14,500 students.