The document provides an overview of eReaders and how to use them including: 1) It discusses the history of eReaders and how they have evolved from early prototypes in the late 1990s to become popular reading devices by the late 2000s. 2) It explains what an eReader is and some of the main advantages like long battery life and portability compared to tablets. 3) It provides instructions for how library patrons can search for, download, and transfer eBooks from the Evanston Public Library to their eReaders.

2. Program Summary Part I What is an eReader? A Short History Why use them? Types Part II My Media Mall Searching for eBooks Checking Out and Downloading Transferring to a Device Part III Tech Petting Zoo Q&A

3. A Blast from the Past “ Picture this on a steamy day: You turn the AC down to sub-Arctic, curl up in your favorite chair and spend the evening reading […] on a nifty, handheld electronic book-reading machine about the size of a paperback. To turn a page, you press a button […] If a passage inspires you, you can highlight it, or electronically dog-ear the page for later return. If a word stumps you, tap it with your finger, and an instant definition appears on the screen.” “ REVOLUTION E-books could change the way we publish and read .” Charleston Gazette , 5/30/1999

4. What is an eReader? Also called an eBook reader, an eReader is a handheld device specialized for reading electronic books. Unlike tablet computers, one of the major advantages of eReaders is their extremely long battery life. http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=e-reader&i=58851,00.asp

5. eReaders & eBooks: A Timeline 1998 Softbook, Gemstar 2003 Setbacks 2000 Ride the Bullet 2004 E-Ink http://goodereader.com/blog/electronic-readers/a-brief-history-of-ebooks/ 2008 iPhone 2007 Kindle 2005 Library 2009 eBooks outsell print

6. Why eReaders? E-Ink vs. Backlighting

7. Why eReaders? Which do you treasure in print?

8. Why eReaders? Convenience & Portability

9. Can it be tossed in a purse?

10. Consumer Reports , 12/2010, pp. 40-41

11. Types of eReaders nook, nook color Sony Touch kobo Kindle

12. Types of eReaders Alex Pandigital BeBook VEB620

13. Wi-Fi vs. 3G: Which to Choose Wi-Fi: Must have access to a wireless hotspot to get your books 3G: Get your eBooks anywhere. No need for a hotspot Consider $$$ You can always transfer eBooks to your eReader via your computer

14. My Media Mall: What is it? The Evanston Public Library uses a service called My Media Mall to provide you with a selection of nearly 3,000 Adobe PDF and Adobe EPUB eBooks. Benefits: Consortium-based No late fees Custom loan period

15. How to Find, Download, & Transfer Library eBooks to Your eReader What you need A valid Evanston Public Library Card A computer with Internet access Software: Adobe Digital Editions

16. How to Find, Download, & Transfer Library eBooks to Your eReader Start at www.epl.org or Go directly to www.mymediamall.net Instructional videos accessible at www.epl.org/download .

17. www.epl.org/download