E-Reading 101
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...or how to get started reading library e-books
WCCLS E-book Information
Common questions /features
- How can I read an e-book?
- Benefits of e-books
- Drawbacks of e-Books
- Types of displays: E-ink, Backlit LCD
- What devices can I use?
- How do I find library e-books?
Check out a Kindle at the library! Find out more here.
How can I read an e-book?
- On a computer
- On a dedicated e-reader
- On some phones and handheld devices
Benefits of e-books
- Adjustable text size (any book can be a large print book)
- Carry over 1000 books in one device
- Special features (bookmarks, highlighting, searchable text, etc.)
- Cost less than new hardbacks (many classics are available for free)
- Buy/download books from anywhere
Drawbacks of e-books
- Sharing books can be difficult
- No resale value / no used book market
- Average author royalties slightly lower
- Dependent upon a battery
- Privacy can be a concern for some users - more information here and here
E-ink display (used in Kindle, original Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, etc.)
- Looks most like print on paper
- No glare in sunlight
- Currently available in grayscale only (no color)
Backlit or LCD display (used in computers, iPad, iPod Touch, smartphones)
- Ability to display color (for comic books, video and more)
- Can be read in low light
- Can be harder on the eyes for long periods
Library2Go e-books can currently be read on...
Most current list at: http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/compatibleebookdevices.aspx
One page summary: http://overdrive.com/files/ebook-cheat-sheet.pdf
- Computers (Windows and Mac)
- Sony Reader
- Nook / NookColor
- Kobo
- Pandigital Novel
- iPod Touch, iPhone Android, and Windows Mobile devices
- iPad
- Blackberry
Ways to find library e-books
> On the WCCLS website <
- From www.wccls.org/online_resources, look for E-books in the column on the left; browse a list of reference and other titles with items available from Gale Virtual Reference Library, Learning Express, Follette, Tumblebooks and Library2Go
- When searching the catalog, Limit By “E-books.”
Find a title you like? Click on the link/globe icon “Click here for download or display” for access using your library card number
> Through the Library2Go Website <
- Go to: http://library2go.lib.overdrive.com (or click link on the WCCLS home page)
- Search by title or by format
- Click on “Add 2Go Cart” (or “Place a Hold” if there is a waiting list for the e-book)
- Click on “Proceed to Checkout”
- Select “Washington County Cooperative Library Services” and enter your library card number
- Click on “Confirm check out”
- Download Adobe Digital Editions
Note: You only have to do this the first time you use Library2Go for e-books, and you can download it before you even begin looking for books if you prefer) - Click on “Download” to download your e-book(s)
- Open the file in Adobe Digital Editions. Read there or transfer to a compatible device (Sony Reader, Nook, Kobo, etc.)
Note: If you are using the OverDrive app to get e-books on a smartphone, iPod Touch, etc., you will not need to connect to a computer to transfer material. Touch the “Get Books” button to connect to Library2Go, change settings and more. You will also be prompted to register for an Adobe ID if you do not already have one.
If you get stuck,
try the Help/FAQs section of Library2Go’s website
Still stuck? E-mail: webmaster@wccls.org
or call the Adult Services Desk at (503) 644-0043 ext. 114 during library hours.
This page based on material from CMCL's E-Reading 101 programs presented by Laura Baca, Reference Librarian / Adult Services in October and December 2010.
