The UK-based Centre for Information Behaviour and the Evaluation of Research (CIBER) research group has announced that it will conduct a global library survey to understand electronic resources challenges, trends and best practices in tough economic times. Sponsored by ebrary, a provider of digital content products and technologies, the survey will be available in Fall 2009 to all libraries. It is based on input from more than 170 librarians, and results will be announced during the Charleston Conference, November 4-7 in Charleston, SC, USA.
Over the past few years, ebrary has collaborated with librarians to learn their perspectives as well as those of students and professors with regard to the use of digital content. As sponsors of this survey, the company believes that it will help vendors, publishers, aggregators and others who serve the library community better understand and address librarians' issues and concerns in a difficult economic climate.
CIBER is focused on the mapping, monitoring and evaluating of digital information systems, platforms, services, roll-outs and environments, using robust, big picture and innovative research methods, especially deep log analysis. It has published a number of studies regarding digital information use, e-journal use and impact, cultural heritage online, impact of electronic course texts, information-seeking behavior of business students, and the like.
