Smithsonian Libraries Converts Digital Publications for E-Readers

The Smithsonian Institution Libraries, in a continuing partnership with Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press, has converted select publications from the Smithsonian Contributions and Studies Series to digital formats for use on Kindles, Nooks and other e-readers.

The new electronic formats will bring unprecedented access to a vast research collection. These scholarly publications are offered at no cost and will not take up valuable physical space or face the threat of going out of print.

Conversion of scholarly publications into multiple formats supports the educational mission of the Smithsonian Institution to actively contribute to “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Scholarly researchers have moved, along with the rest of readers, more and more toward electronic books and the convenience they offer. Consequently, the Libraries and the Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press have joined forces to meet readers “where they live” in order to fulfill the Smithsonian mission and to better serve users. Included in the selection are the complete current run of the Earth Sciences Series and high-impact titles from the both the Botany and Zoology Series.

“The addition of these publications into e-books is a tremendous tool for scientists and the public who will benefit from mobile access to research,” said Smithsonian librarian Erin Thomas, who is coordinating the project. “Access to this distinguished series has never been so simple.”

To access the Smithsonian Contributions and Studies Series publications, the public may visit http://www.sil.si.edu/smithsoniancontributions/sics_epubs.cfm.

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SI-159-2011