Definitions you need to know
DRM – digital rights management - a digital lock on the file that can only be opened by the correct gadget, software, or app.
E-Pub – a book format created by Adobe. Used by many readers including Sony and Nook. But DRM prevents the files from being interchangable
E-Ink – allows an electronic page to look like the page of a book. Is not backlit
Backlit – Computer screens that emit light are backlit
Kindle from Amazon
Works with Amazon E-books only and somewhat with PDF files. The Kindle will be compatible with Overdrive E-Books sometime in the fall.
Kindle 3 the latest reader on the market is the fastest, and has the ability to read the book aloud to you. WiFi model is $139, WiFi + 3G is $189. If purchasing for the library I would recommend the WiFi model unless you do not have a broadband connection. They now have a version with advertising for $114 that is Wi-Fi only.
Tech rumors have it that Amazon will soon release a tablet similar to IPad or to the Nook Color. No announcements from Amazon yet though.
Sony Readers
Sony has a stable of E-Readers on the market. They do have 3G but that only works with the Sony bookstore. Everything else requires a computer. They work with Overdrive and NetLibrary and there are many sites that sell e-books for Sony’s in the E-Pub format. Books may also be downloaded from Google Books for free if they are out of copyright.
The document format always matters and the E-Pub format can also be a problem as documents will display differently and sometimes very annoyingly on different readers.
NOOK from Barnes and Noble
From Barnes and Noble it handles Barnes and Noble E-Pub titles and Overdrive and Netlibrary E-Pub titles. Due to DRM Barnes and Noble titles cannot be read on a Sony. It does have 3G but that only applies to B&N titles. All others must be transferred using a computer.
NOOK Color from Barnes and Noble
This Barnes and Noble offering gives us a platform that allows you to read text books on a backlit screen. Illustrated books, magazines, and newspapers are also handled well. Children’s books including picture books are handled well and have a professional voice reading the text of picture books. Based on the Android platform the Nook Color also allows web browsing and since it is based on Android an app store is on the way.
IPad from Apple
Can use wi-fi or 3G if you are willing to spend a bundle on ATT/Verizon data service. This will handle Amazon, Barnes and Noble, PDF, and Apple Ibooks titles. Overdrive has an app that works very well and downloads directly without a connection to This also can serve as a great platform for roving reference.
It is not a good choice for some people doing continuous reading since it has a backlit screen.
Great choice for a reference desk that goes with you on the floor.
5 Sonys/Nooks per Computer
The Adobe digital editions software required to operate the Sony and the Nook and share titles between gadgets will allow 5 Sonys or Nooks to be on the account at one time and the software can only be loaded on a computer once. One University library created a complicated IT scheme to manage this problem.
The other problem is that if you plan to use Overdrive or Netlibrary the books will return themselves when you reconnect the reader to the computer
Amazon's Model
Amazon allows you to connect as many Kindles/Ipads/Igadgets as you like to one account. Books can be shared and read at the same time on all of the readers.
If you are trying to provide an inexpensive way of purchasing materials on demand for customers or providing access to new titles as they release in multiples this is an option.
Legal Stuff
•Amazon specifically prohibits library use in their licensing but their customer service folks give permission if you call according to many articles on the subject.
•Many other providers also limit library use if you read the legal stuff.
