Slides from

1. eReaders and More:
A Holiday Guide
January 2012
Lisa Gayhart

2. Why are we here?
• What are ebooks and what is ereading?
• Explanation of different mobile devices
• What devices work with library services
• How to use library ebooks with your mobile device
• Where to get help
• Time for questions and practice

3. Let's get on the same page
What are ebooks?
What is ereading?

4. You can read ebooks on:
• eReaders
▫ i.e. Kobo, Kindle, Sony Reader
• Tablets
▫ i.e. Playbook, iPad
• Laptops/netbooks/PCs/MACs
▫ i.e. your home computer, desktop or laptop
• Smartphones
▫ i.e. Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Phone
• iPods and MP3 players
▫ i.e. iPod, iTouch, Zune

5. eReader vs. Tablet
What's the difference? Both are slim, small, computers but have
different features and functionality.
eReader (e.g. Kobo) Tablet (e.g. iPad)
E-Ink Technology (black & white) Back-Lighting
Long Battery Life (~month) Short Battery Life (~10 hours)
Limited web browsing capability Full web browsing capability
Purpose is to duplicate the "book Purpose is to be a smaller, more
reading experience" portable multimedia computer
Price Range ~$100-200 Price Range ~$250-600

6. Which device can I use with library ebooks?
Always check the compatible device list for the most
up to date information before you buy:
http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/
Unfortunately…
Playbooks (RIM) and Kindles (Amazon) do not support
library books at this time.

7. Which device can I use with library ebooks?

8. File types to use with your device
• The standard file type for library ebooks is EPUB.
• Most devices will also read PDF versions of ebooks
(i.e. self published books, online manuals, etc.)
• For maximum choice, pick a device that can read
both formats.

9. How to find library ebooks
Library's website – www.rwl.library.on.ca
Audio, eBooks and Video
Download Library – www.downloadlibrary.ca

11. Ways to download
• Download an ebook through Download Library,
without WIFI enabled device (i.e. Kobo Touch, Sony
Reader):
▫ Website – www.downloadlibrary.ca
▫ Adobe Digital Editions account
▫ Library card/PIN
▫ Search/checkout/download
▫ Transfer from computer to device via a USB connection
▫ Enjoy on mobile device

12. Ways to download
• Download an ebook through Download Library, with
Overdrive app (i.e. iPad, Kobo Vox):
▫ Install Overdrive app on your mobile device
▫ Sync device to Adobe ID
▫ Search for library (Region of Waterloo Library)
▫ Add Download Library
▫ Library card/PIN
▫ Search/checkout books
▫ Download to device (tablet/smartphone)
▫ Enjoy on mobile device

13. Other available ebooks
• Ebsco ebooks
 Great for research
• Tumblebooks
 ebooks for children that are interactive and encourage
the development of early literacy and numeracy skills
• Public domain books
 Through Download Library or Project Gutenburg
• Buying books
 Online bookstores, i.e. Kobo, Amazon, etc.

14. Online help – www.downloadlibrary.ca
"My Help" tool:
step by step process
Getting Started
Borrowing FAQs

15. Tips and tricks
• You will need an Adobe ID to use ebooks. Get this first.
• Ebooks can be returned early through Abobe Digital
Editions or through your app
• You can take out 15 items on your account at one time
• Always Available books never have holds
• Plug your ereader into your computer, then open ADE (PC)
• Items cannot be renewed (check out the book again)

16. Ask us!
• Time for questions and hands on practice
• Remember:
▫ You can't break it
▫ No question is stupid!
▫ Exploration and play is the best way to learn
▫ Expect continual learning: devices and software
change at a rapid pace
▫ Most importantly: have fun

17. What if I get home and have a question?
Lisa Gayhart
Coordinator, Library Communications & E-Services
Region of Waterloo Library
519-575-4590
lgayhart@regionofwaterloo.ca
Ask me for my card!