The value proposition of the Flemish E-book PlatformMalaga, 27 May 2011

Hier staat de titelBibnet is an agency founded by the Flemish government to develop infrastructure and services for the public libraries.

Bibnet is developing the Flemish E-book Platform in collaboration with

The confederation of the Flemish Publishers Association (Vlaamse uitgevers Vereniging), the united book importers (Verenigde Boekenimporteurs) and the Flemish Booksellers Association (Vlaamse Boekverkopersbond)

IWT the Flemisch government agency for Innovation by Science and Technology

Introducing

small country,

small language area,

small advertising market

small country,

small language area,

small advertising market

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Why an e-book platform?

PublishersPublishers

LibrariesLibraries

Book salesBook sales

Other RetailOther RetailValue chain for the physical book

ReadersReadersAuthorsAuthors

Search, Discover, Consult, Buy, Loan

The value chain

PublishersPublishers

LibrariesLibraries

Book salesBook sales

Other retailOther retailValue chain for the digital book

AuthorsAuthors AggregatorsAggregators ReadersReaders

Search, Discover, Consult, Buy, Loan, Rent

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• Impact of aggregators on the value chain:• Fragmented publisher initiatives; bookshops &

libraries retreat• Other players determine information- and culture

consumption

• An E-book Platform guarantees:• Non-commercial services like full text search,

etc.. • Independent availability for consultation

Relevance of Regional Cultural Policy

PublishersPublishers

LibrariesLibraries

Book salesBook sales

Other retailOther retailValue chain for the digital book

AuthorsAuthors

AggregatorsAggregators

ReadersReaders

Search, Discover, Consult, Buy, Loan, Rent

Ebook Platform

Ebook Platform

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e-book platform

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2 Statements

1. A non-commercial central initiative to distribute e-books is essential for a regional cultural policy.

1. A non-commercial central initiative to distribute e-books is essential for a regional cultural policy.

1. A public-private partnership is essential to fertilize the new eco-system for e-book services.

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In (R-)Evolution

Hier staat de titel• Cannibalization of paper book market• Threats to margins• Threat of piracy, no physical control• Publisher and bookseller becoming superfluous?

• No lending right for digital distributed content

Publishers are nervous

-> Do we go to War or do we Negotiate?

Hier staat de titelPublishersPublishers LibrariesLibraries

Maximize SalesMaximize Sales Maximize LoansMaximize Loans

Maximize E-ReadingShare Costs

Maximize E-ReadingShare Costs

Market growMarket grow Culture growCulture grow

Make Long Tail available

Make Long Tail available Digitize Long TailDigitize Long Tail

Negotiate

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Public Private Win/Win

PublishersPublishers LibrariesLibraries

Common distribution platform

Common distribution platform

Collective Negotiated E-book license

Collective Negotiated E-book license

Content monetizedContent monetized Democratic AccessDemocratic Access

Intra Muros Service: unlimited browsing & readingIntra Muros Service: unlimited browsing & reading

Controlled distribution and streamlining metadataControlled distribution and streamlining metadata

Progressive service innovation Progressive service innovation

Extra Muros Service: limited browsing & readingExtra Muros Service: limited browsing & reading

Gateway for long term preservationGateway for long term preservation

Hier staat de titel• 2015: 15 - 20 % of the market will be digital. • 2011: Regional E-book sales are < 3% • ROI e-book platform will be after 3 years

1. Fixed license for unlimited consultation in situ2. Fixed license for a basic collection “B” :

• ‘Shoulder’ + Long Tail + (indicative ♯loans)• Titles older 6 months -> ‘shoulder’ + 1 year

opt pub-er3. Recent, new, best selling titles:

• windowperiod of 3 months re general audience • Max. loan parameters / member (≠ title)• Variable policy for target audiences

Business Model

Discussion

1. A non-commercial central initiative to distribute e-books is essential for a regional cultural policy.

2. A public-private partnership is essential to fertilize the new eco-system.

3. An e-book platform federation across Europe magnifies the value proposition in each state.