E-book Policy

Electronic books (e-books) purchased by the Bryn Mawr College Libraries will meet the following criteria whenever possible:

• Reader privacy
• Convenience and ease of use
• Freedom from digital rights management (DRM)
• Unlimited simultaneous readers
• Accessibility
• Availability for InterLibrary Loan

If a purchase request does not meet the above criteria, a Subject Librarian will work with the requester to decide whether an e-book still makes the most sense, or whether a print copy would meet readers’ needs more effectively. Because e-books are generally more expensive than print books, subject librarians may discuss this cost differential as well. The libraries will make individual decisions based on the cost/benefit of the item or subscription, including the number of titles in the package or collection, the total dollar cost, and our ability to meet the criteria above.