Ereaders 101: NOOKs, Kindles, and iPads, oh my! If you have wanted to purchase an ereader but were overwhelmed by the choices, this program is for you! Come learn about ereaders and ebooks at this informational session. You will also learn how to download the library's ebooks to your device.

1. Ereaders 101
NOOKs, Kindles, and iPads, oh my!
Randolph County Public Library
December 2011

2. The Basics

3. Ereaders: what and why?
ereader - a hand-held device with software for reading on a screen.
A device such as a smart phone or computer can function as an ereader
with an app that is made for that device.
ebook – a book-length publication in digital form, consisting of text, images,
or both, and produced on, published through, and readable on computers
or other electronic devices.

4. Ebook formats and DRM
Different types of ebook formats
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_e-book_formats
DRM = Digital Rights Management
One copy = one checkout
Think of DRM as a cellophane wrapper around the book you are
looking at in a bookstore. You can see the book, touch the
book, but you can’t thumb through or read the book.

5. Connectivity or methods for getting
content
 USB connection between ereader devices and
computer – ‘tethered’.
 Wi-Fi wireless Internet connection built in to
ereader devices.
 3G or similar cellular network connection built
in to ereader devices.

6. Where to get ebooks/econtent
 Direct from ereader manufacturers/book vendors
(i.e. Barnes & Noble’s NOOKbooks store, Amazon’s
Kindle store, Sony Reader store, Apple iBooks store).
 Direct from the publisher.
 Project Gutenberg : over 36,000 free downloadable
titles.
 Inkmesh : search engine that searches 30 online
sources for free ebooks.
 From Randolph County Public Library’s
Digital Depot, for free!

7. Types of Ereaders

8. Barnes & Noble - NOOKs
NOOK Tablet, 7 in NOOK Color, 7 in NOOK Simple Touch, 6 in
$249 $199 $99

9. Amazon - Kindles
Kindle, 6 in Kindle Touch, 6 in Kindle Keyboard, 6 in Kindle Fire, 7 in
$79 $99, $149 3G $99, $139 3G $199

10. Apple - iPads
iPad 2, 9 in
$499 - $829

11. Sony Reader Wi-Fi
Sony Reader Wi-Fi, 6 in
$129.99

14. randolph.lib.overdrive.com
You need a valid library card and PIN number.
21, 14, or 7 day lending on all items.
May return ebooks before lending period ends.
Maximum of 3 simultaneously borrowed items.
May place holds on unavailable items (up to 3)
You receive email notification and have 3 days
to download.
 On NOOKs, Adobe Digital Editions must be installed, an account created, and
authorized before transferring library ebooks to your device.
 If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or if you own a NOOK, you will need to connect a
USB cord to download library ebooks.
Link to PowerPoint How-tos:
www.slideshare.net/RandolphCountyLibrary

15. Important things to remember
When looking for an ereader:
What device will fill your needs?
What do you want to use it for?
How does it feel in your hand?

16. Randolph County Public Library does not
endorse any specific brand or vendor.
Questions?