eReaders & eBooks

With the release of eReaders there is an ongoing discussion about eBooks and the impact on public libraries.

eReader Comparisons

There are so many eReaders on the market and new ones coming out every day.  It can be a bit stressful keeping track. For eReader comparisons take a look at:

• Getting Started: Beginner's Guide
• Handy eReader Informational Chart breaking down names, prices, specs, and file compatibility.
• eBook reader review -- http://ebook-reader-review.toptenreviews.com/
• Chamber Four -- http://chamberfour.com/ereader-comparison/
• Wikipedia -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_e-book_readers

Loaning eReaders: Policies & Agreements

 For libraries, making decisions about whether to jump into loaning eReaders and/or eBooks requires some investigation.

• Links to ereader sample policies
• See school eReader policies and agreements, handbook statements, parental waivers - also good to modify for libraries in general

eReaders, Overdrive and ePub

Companies like Overdrive are now offering downloads of e-books in the ePub format so patrons can borrow eBooks.  See a list of compatible devices for Overdrive eBooks. or use a PDF cheatsheet from Overdrive.

Readers that support ePub will give libraries more options in devices and eBook vendors.  I believe that more and more libraries will be lending eReaders and offering eBook downloads to their patrons because the demand is there. 

eReaders and Accessibility

Good webinar offered by EASI (Equal Access to Software & Information) to help understand issues on e-reader accessibilit. The webinar is by Ken Petri from Ohio State University. Petri explains what is needed to provide eReader access to people with disabilities and encourages people to contact manufacturers of e-readers and ask for accessibility enhancements

• Webinar: Overview of the Accessibility of Mainstream E-Readers
  Presenter: Ken Petri from Ohio State University
• View the slidesr on the Accessibility of Mainstream E-readers
• Check out other webinars and resources at EASI

Additional Resources

• Common Problems and Questions related to Maine InfoNet Download Library (OverDrive) [PDF, 212 KB] This file requires the free Adobe Reader.
• The Gadget Ecosystem - A snapshot, taken November 2011 by WebJunction of the "fast changing gadget landscape". A list of links related to using gadgets in the library and devices, including smartphones, tablets, eReaders, and related apps.
• Kindles, Nook (and more) Educators: Here’s a resource to help educators who are using e-readers connect with each other and share ideas and resources. It has lots of librarian participation and you can join a separate group called “Library.”
• eReader demographics
• Auletta, Ken. “Publish or Perish: Can the iPad topple the Kindle, and save the book business?” The New Yorker  April 26, 2010
• The iPad in libraries