Abstract

Like other electronic resources, mobile applications (apps) can be part of library collections, so it is necessary to include them in the collection development policy, or even implement a specific policy in order to draw attention to their existence. Again, it is necessary to establish selection criteria, but also to have a budget available, if necessary, and to get mobile devices (smartphones or tablets) for the library staff.

Abstract

With the launch in September 2014 of the project eBiblio to lend ebooks, promoted by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport in collaboration with the autonomous communities, began a new phase in the Spanish public libraries. The digital loan was incorporated into the rest of the services offered by the libraries and represented a number of management challenges. The changes have affected librarians who have had to be technologically trained to use a new service and users who also need to acquire a range of technological skills to access readings. In this article all aspects that converge in the digital loan will be described and the evolution and future prospects of the service will be analysed, focusing some of these aspects on the specific case of eBiblio Madrid.