Introduction to e-Readers

An electronic book (e-book) is a text and image-based publication in digital form produced on, published by, and readable on computers or other digital devices.  Sometimes the equivalent of a conventional printed book, e-books can also be digital only. The Oxford Dictionary of English defines the e-book as "an electronic version of a printed book,” but e-books can and do exist without any printed equivalent. E-books are usually read on dedicated devices known as e-Readers. Personal computers and some cell phones can also be used to read e-books. (Wikipedia)

e-Readers have come a long way over the years. Ten years ago the concept of reading a book on a device other than reading a physical book, was crazy. But now, e-Readers are widely accepted throughout the world. In fact, they are becoming so popular that companies such as, Amazon and Barns & Nobles, are selling e-books online (most of the time cheaper than the physical book) and can be downloaded to the e-Reader or your personal computer in a matter of minutes. Libraries have also jumped in the realm of downloading e-books. For example, here at the Bossier Parish Library System, we offer a free service to called Overdrive (Click HERE for Overdrive article). Another reason e-Readers are becoming more popular is because they are considered “green”. This means that no paper is involved with an e-Reader. And you know how you have hundreds of books on 5-6 different book shelves? This is not a factor anymore. e-Readers can hold hundreds, if not, thousands of books on 1 small portable device. But we will discuss these things and many more this month.

There are a lot of positives to having an e-Reader. This month we hope to share all of them with you! Also be sure to “follow us” on Facebook and Twitter!