This study examined the feasibility of ordering an e-book (electronic book) to replace a lost or brittle book in the Kent State University (Ohio) library. The study checked a representative sample of 234 books lost during July to December 2000 to see the availability of the book in e-form, as well as the cost of the print versus the e-book editions. Only 12 out of 234 books were available in e-form. Other factors affecting the use of e-formats were the user and the age and uniqueness of the book. Fiction works were found to be available more often than non-fiction, especially before 1995. It was concluded that there was not enough of a stockpile of e-books to allow them to be ordered extensively. The lost books did not readily lend themselves to being replaced by e-books, because of their average age and the number of non-fiction titles. Publisher's costs are reduced on a when the book is produced electronically, and there can be advantages in access to the user, but this does not necessary translate into savings for the library. The cost of e-books, including licensing and copyright costs, exceeded the expense of print copies in most cases. Also, wider use of e-books will require training for and acceptance by the user. (Contains 28 references.) (Author/MES)