<p>A system searches for segments among multiple publications dealing with a given topic or set of topics, and compiles these segments into a custom-created electronic-book. In a commercial environment, such custom-created e-books are offered for sale to a user or set of users who have expressed interest in the given topic or set of topics. Optionally, the system is aware of the publications that are in a user's existing library, and avoids the inclusion of redundant material in the custom-created e-book for that user.</p>