This document introduces e-readers and discusses their key features and differences. It notes that e-readers come in two main formats - eInk displays that are easier on the eyes but lack color, and LCD displays that have color and support apps/video but can cause eye strain. It also discusses how e-readers can access content via Wi-Fi or USB and highlights issues around digital rights management (DRM) and accessing library ebooks from services like OverDrive on different e-reader devices.

1. E-Reader Intro
Nathan Swartzendruber, SWON Libraries Technology Educator
nathan@swonlibraries.org or @SWONtech on Twitter

2. E-Reader:
A Box with a
Web Browser

3. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<book>
<bookinfo>
<title>My EPUB book</title>
<author><firstname>Liza</firstname>
<surname>Daly</surname></author>
<volumenum>1234</volumenum>
</bookinfo>
EPUB
"My dear Mr. Bennet," said his lady to him one
"My dear Mr. Bennet," day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let
said his lady to him one at last?"
day, "have you heard that
Netherfield Park is let at
Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.
last?" "But it is," returned she; "for Mrs. Long has just
Mr. Bennet replied that been here, and she
he had not. told me all about it."
"But it is," returned she;
Mr. Bennet made no answer.
"for Mrs. Long has just
been here, and she told me
"Do you not want to know who has taken it?"
all about it." cried his wife impatiently.
Mr. Bennet made no "You want to tell me, and I have no objection to
answer. hearing it."
This was invitation enough.

4. Adobe PDF
"My dear Mr. Bennet,"
"My dear Mr. Bennet,"
said his lady to him one day, said his lady to him one day,
"have you heard that Netherfield
Park is let at last?"
Mr. Bennet replied that he had
"have you heard that Netherfield
not.
"But it is," returned she; "for
Park is let at last?"
Mrs. Long has just been here, and
she told me all about it." Mr. Bennet replied that he had
Mr. Bennet made no answer.
"Do you not want to know who not.
has taken it?" cried his wife
impatiently. "But it is," returned she; "for
"You want to tell me, and I have
no objection to hearing it." Mrs. Long has just been here, and
she told me all about it."

5. eInk vs. LCD

6. eInk Pros & Cons
Batteries / Low Eye Strain / $
but No Color / Slow Refresh

7. LCD Pros & Cons
Color / Video, Apps, etc.
but Eye Strain / Batteries / $

8. Do you want to read?
Or be more productive?

9. Try reading for 20 minutes.
Give the device time to disappear.

10. Wi-Fi / 3G / USB
Required

11. DRM: The Hurt Locker

12. OverDrive & the Nook Color
Computer
Authoriz
e
Adobe
Digital Nook
Editions Color
Nook
Color

13. OverDrive & the Kindle
Computer
Authoriz
e Kindle
Kindle

14. OverDrive & the iPad
Computer
Authoriz
e
OverDriv OverDriv
e app e app
iPad

15. All Images Licensed via Creative Commons
✤ http://www.flickr.com/photos/sankey/4545791778
✤ http://www.flickr.com/photos/clonedmilkmen/5096267917
✤ http://www.flickr.com/photos/knk/3111306257
✤ http://www.flickr.com/photos/avijeet/5582833053
✤ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nanon/28500130
✤ http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomazstolfa/5310306188