I've recently attended a couple of sessions at VALA 2012 and there were plenty of discussions surrounding the growth of ebook collection and use in libraries across the country. And I personally think that the main issue is that of access.
I couldn't agree more with Joe Wilkert for calling to move for a unified ebook format and an end to DRM. Librarians have been advocating for this for years. From a personal and professional point of view, proprietary ebook software and DRM only serve the pockets of publishers and manufacturers. I am always for freedom of choice and Kindle and its ilk deprives me of that.
However, non-proprietary ebook readers like tablets and non-DRM ebook readers pose a different set of issues all together. Joe mentioned in his article about using different apps for different formats. Since I'm not such a great app fan, I only have Stanza and Good Reader on my iPhone which serves my purpose but there are more apps out there. Then there's the various platforms ebook suppliers and publishers use that complicate matters further. Again, it has to do with access.
I also have this Laser Ebook EB101 which is a disappointment really as it falls short of what it claims it can do. I can't even begin to write about its shortcomings as there are plenty short of saying it was a complete waste of money.
These drive home the point that there is plenty of room for ebook publishers to do right by us, the consumers, and make access simpler. Or easier.
