BCR Exploring netLibrary Service BCR is considering contracting with netLibrary, Inc., a service that provides full-text eBooks to libraries. The netLibrary service enhances traditional academic reference and research books by providing electronic versions of them 24 hours a day on the web. NetLibrary's eBooks offer: Full-text and traditional field searching including title, author, date, keyword. Sixteen standard usage reports describing aggregate information like popular books, dusty books, popular subjects, unsuccessful search terms, etc. A powerful extranet application designed to assist library staff with collection development. NetLibrary is not: An FTE/subscription-based pricing model. Libraries buy eBooks just as they do printed materials. A proprietary hardware or software solution. Access is through the web. A service designed to replace ink-on-paper books. EBooks enhance paper-based books by adding electronic capabilities. A method to collect personal information about patrons. Reports are supplied in aggregate only. The netLibrary's eBooks are cataloged on OCLC, and OCLC MARC records are available for libraries to use. Please check out the following URL to learn more about netLibrary: www.netlibrary.com. BCR and netLibrary may offer libraries a special limited- time starter program. Watch for details on BCR's web site at www.bcr.org and in this newsletter or contact BCR's Ellen Fox.