Handout originally created for CILSA presentation on 7/24/2010 at Marshalltown Public Library.

1. E-Books and E-Readers
Created by Louise Alcorn, Reference Technology Librarian, West Des Moines Public Library
Originally presented at the Marshalltown Public Library, July 24, 2010
What is an e-book? Same text as a printed book, but displayed electronically.
What is an e-reader? A device (or software for a computer or laptop) which is designed specifically to display
e-books.
How do you get books for your e-reader? This can depend on the following:
• if you’re using a smartphone (iPhone, Droid or similar “apps” phone) or a separate e-reader
• which vendor/bookstore you’re getting them from
• what format they’re in
• if your device has wi-fi and/or 3G (faster, cell phone-like) access, or requires a computer to download
See the Popular E-Readers Overview handout on the next page for more information.
Costs? E-books can cost anything from $0 (many classics are available in free formats, for instance) to
regular hardcover prices ($25-30 or more). Mostly they are 20-50% cheaper than their paper counterparts.
E-readers can run the gamut – some are free or low cost “apps” to be used on other devices or your computer.
For separate, portable e-readers, the costs can range from $150 (the Kobo, for instance) to $600 (the iPad,
which is also a laptop computer).
More Info? Some places for good advice from others on e-readers and e-books:
http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2010/05/16/dear-jane-what-ebook-reader-should-i-buy/print/
http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/e-book-format-and-device-table/
http://ebook-reader-review.toptenreviews.com/
http://sites.google.com/site/lsauiowa/resources
Will MPL have e-books to check out? Some information you should know:
Marshalltown Library is part of the WILBOR consortium of Iowa libraries. We
currently offer e-audiobooks for download to listen to on your MP3 player.
Soon (hopefully by the end of 2010) WILBOR will also offer e-books for check
out. These will “check out” via free software which you’ll need to load on your home
computer (PC or Mac). You will also need a valid library card.
All e-books available through Overdrive/WILBOR will be in the Adobe-DRM EPUB or
PDF formats. What does this mean?
• It means you will need to have the (free) Adobe Digital Editions software on
your computer at home.
• You will NOT be able to use the Kindle, Kindle DX or iPad to read these
downloadable e-books via WILBOR/Overdrive. They may be developing an
This page app forwith permission from Johnson County (KS) Library handout
edited iPad/iTouch and/or Droid platforms.

2. Popular E-Readers Overview
Compatible with Adobe-DRM EPUB and PDF (popular format – used by Overdrive – see WILBOR info)
Adobe Digital Editions software required on home computer (free)
Barnes & Noble Nook
Always wirelessly connected- also available with 3G
(more expensive)
Primary Bookstore: Barnes & Noble
Related Apps: BN eReader for iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry,
PC and Mac
WILBOR is a consortium of Iowa libraries
that collectively purchases material via the
Sony Reader Overdrive company, for patrons to borrow
Some models have wireless connection electronically.
Primary Bookstores: Sony Reader Store and Borders
Related Apps: Reader Library Software for PC and Mac WILBOR currently has e-audiobooks for
lending, and we will soon be developing an
e-book collection – stay tuned!
Aluratek Libre
No wireless connection These e-books will be in the Adobe-DRM
Primary Bookstores: Ebooks.com and Borders EPUB or PDF formats.
Related Apps: None (yet)
Learn more at
wilbor.lib.overdrive.com
Kobo eReader
No wireless connection
Primary Bookstores: KoboBooks.com and Borders
Related Apps: Kobo Reader for iPhone, BlackBerry,
Android, Palm Pre
Not Readily Compatible with Adobe-DRM EPUB and PDF
Kindle 2 and Kindle DX – Kindle 3 out by September, 2010
Always wirelessly connected – Kindle 3 offers options of cheaper wi-fi only (requires local wi-fi) or more
expensive wi-fi + 3G (their ‘Whispernet’ service)
Primary Bookstores: Amazon.com
Related Apps: Kindle for iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry, PC, Mac, Android
Apple iPad Note: Overdrive has an iPhone/iPad
Always wirelessly connected app for their Overdrive Media
Primary Bookstore: iBookstore Console (OMC) software for
Related Apps: (most iPhone apps will run on the iPad) e-audiobooks. They are developing
• B & N Reader for iPad an upgrade to the OMC for e-books,
• Kindle for iPad and will likely (?) integrate that into
• Kobo Reader for iPhone the iPhone/iPad app. Stay tuned!
• Many magazines are developing iPad apps such as Popular Science
This page edited with permission from Johnson County (KS) Library handout

3. • Multiple other free e-reader apps
This page edited with permission from Johnson County (KS) Library handout