E-Books: EBook Library (EBL) Sold to ProQuest, Will Merge With ebrary

UPDATE: Matt Ennis has a posted a complete report on The Digital Shift.
Here’s the Full Text of a Letter Sent By Kari Paulson, President of EBL that’s now available on the web.
We’re waiting to here from ProQuest and hopefully learn more.

I am writing to let you know that on January 18th, 2013 Ebooks Corporation Limited signed a definitive agreement to sell Ebook Library (EBL) to ProQuest.  The transaction is expected to be complete early April.
EBL and ebrary have complementary strengths and the integration of these two innovative ebook services will provide a great opportunity to develop a new, best-of-breed service.
Upon completion, I will join ProQuest to manage the combined ebook business unit and will lead the effort to integrate the best of ebrary and EBL – both in product and services.  Additionally, the entire EBL team will be joining ProQuest and will remain committed to ensuring that your experience through any transition is smooth.
Importantly, nothing will change in the near term.  EBL will continue to support and develop our existing platform, including the upcoming launch of the new LibCentral portal and enhanced acquisition workflows.  You should continue to purchase EBL content through your preferred partner or through EBL directly.  Invoicing will continue as usual.  Please continue to work with your existing EBL sales representative, account manager, and support staff.
Once the transaction is final, platform and service convergence will commence behind the scenes, starting with the creation of a unified content management system, which will streamline delivery of ebooks to both platforms. Next, financial systems will be merged to consolidate invoicing for direct customers. The final stage will be the convergence of patron and librarian interfaces into a single, optimized user experience.  We will communicate with you regularly and will advise you well in advance of any changes that will affect you.
EBL grew from a simple idea in 2003 to a world leader in academic ebook supply in 2013, largely because of the continued feedback and support from libraries. We are proud of the tradition of collaboration, innovation and service that have formed the EBL culture over the years and are committed to ensuring that these values endure.  Please do not hesitate to contact us with any feedback or questions.
We very much look forward to working with you in the years to come.
Best regards,
Kari Paulson
President – EBL
kari.paulson@eblib.com

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