Getting help with Overdrive is now even easier! But first:

What exactly is Overdrive? 

Overdrive is an app that allows you to read eBooks and listen to audio-books on your phone or tablet. It's part of your library account, so there's never any charge. The books return automatically so you can't even be charged late fees. New books are added to the collection every day. For some of these books, you'll need an Adobe ID. This is a free ID that you create using your email one time only. If you're not comfortable with creating an Adobe ID, don't worry! There are plenty of books you can still access.

Overdrive is available for: Apple (via iTunes) Android (via Google Play), Windows Phone.

Download for other devices including Kindle, Nook and your PC can be found on the Overdrive Website. You can also get to the Overdrive site through the Bossier Library homepage: http://bossierlibrary.org. There is a link on the right hand side for Overdrive.

So, how do you use FrontLine Support? 

Last week we introduced you to eReaders. This week we are going to take it one step further. Today we are going to discuss the benefits of an eReader. You may be like me and ask yourself “Why do I need an eReader?” For starters, imagine condensing your home library into one device. That’s right, eReaders can store hundreds of ebooks; some can store thousands. So instead of having an entire room to “store” your books, you can have one device that holds them all. The second reason you may be looking to get an eReader is because you may be tired of carrying books around with you everywhere you go. As we all know, vacations are awesome. It’s time away from reality, even if it’s only a day or two. Instead of carrying 2-5 books with various weights, you can carry one device that weights far less than a pound and keeps all your ebooks organized. College students are starting to use eReaders as well. Places like Amazon have many books available to download in digital form; and most of the time the digital books are cheaper that the physical book. As most of us know, college books can be expensive. eBooks is just another way to save.


One of the main questions that is asked about eReaders is, “What should I buy an eReader when a laptop does the same thing?” And that is a good question. But since we are talking about eReaders, we will stick with eReaders. eReaders are lighter, more mobile, cost less, and are easier to read. Computers, including laptops, have a bright screen that basically lights up when in use. This is called a backlight screen. The main drawback to having a backlight screen is your eyes become tired faster. This means less reading. eReaders were created for the reader in mind. They use what’s called E ink. E ink is meant for the eReader to have a book feel to it. When reading an ebook, you feel as if you are reading a real book. This means you can read longer without your eyes getting tired.


Backlight display



Physical book compared to E ink.

 

Whether you are new to eReaders or consider yourself a pro, here are just a few terms that you should be familiar with as we progress through the month of February focusing on eReader technology. Oh yeah and just in case I miss an term you think is important, feel free to add it as a comment. Or if you want to give us your take on one of the definitions below, feel free to do that too!

---

---

3G (or Third Generation). Commonly heard in regards to cell phones and cellular networks, it is a wireless format that enables you to access to Internet content via your eReader. Having an eReader with 3G means it has the Internet built-in. As long as you can get a signal, then you can access the eReader store and buy/download eBooks. Since 3G is built-in, there is no monthly fee or subscription for utilizing it. (see also eBook & eReader)

app (or application). Commonly heard in regards to smartphones, it is a generic term for a stand-alone application (or program). Most eReaders come pre-installed with apps. Some vendors provide a store in which you can download and install additional apps either at no additional charge or for a small fee.

DRM (or digital rights management). A concept derived from the music industry in which control is held over description, identification, trading, protection, monitoring and tracking of both tangible and intangible assets. Ultimately, DRM allows for limited user access while at the same time meeting the restrictions set forth by the actual copyright holder. An example of DRM is whether or not eBooks can be shared with others and at what rate.

eBook (or electronic book). An digitally-formatted interactive book often containing hyperlinks and other multimedia. Designed to be read from a desktop, laptop or tablet computer or a portable reading device also known as as eReader. eBooks are often restricted by digital rights management (see also eReader & DRM). Other variations of eBook are e-Book, eBook, Ebook and EBook.

eInk - Developed in the mid-90s by the E Ink Corporation, eInk also known as "electronic ink", is a technology that displays or mimics the look of ink on paper. This technology is most commonly used now for eReaders because it is easier on the eyes. eInk is usually associated with various shades of gray but in recent years, eInk is becoming available in color for eReaders. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Ink)

ePaper (or electronic paper). see eInk.

eReader - An portable electronic device that is designed primarily for the purpose of reading digital books and periodicals and uses e-Ink technology to display content. Some eReaders have multi-function capabilities offering additional features such as the ability to access the Internet, download and playing apps, listening to music and much more. see app.

ePub (or electronic publication). This format is the most common format in which eBooks come. ePub is the standard for all eBooks; however, not all eBooks come in ePub format. Some come in other formats, such as plain text (TXT), portable document format (PDF), or mobile version (MOBI), among others.  For example: Amazon Kindle books are DRM-protected and restricted with a format called AZW; therefore, Amazon Kindle eReader does not support ePub. see PDF.

PDF (or portable document format). A format developed in the early 80s by Adobe Systems. This format allows for users to store, open and print a document used free software called Adobe Reader (available here). PDF files always end with a .pdf extention - resume.pdf.

Wi-Fi (or wireless fidelity). A means in which a portable device such as an eReader, laptop, or tablet computer can connect to the Internet wirelessly. Unlike 3G, Wi-Fi is not built in. So you must be in the vicinity of a Wi-Fi connection to connect to it.
       There are two ways to access Wi-Fi: through a secure or an unsecure network. Secure Wi-Fi network have a password that only authorized people have, while an "unsecured Wi-Fi network" is open to all. For security purposes, always use caution with connected to an unsecured Wi-Fi network since these types of network can be easily hacked to gain unauthorized access to your devices. (Other variations are WiFi or WIFI). see 3G.

---

---

Check out these eReader glossary available on the Internet:
- http://electricread.net/ereadglossary.html
- http://www.mansfieldct.org/schools/mms/palms/Meet_the_Team/Glossary.htm
- http://www.planetebook.com/mainpage.asp?webpageid=70
- http://www.nova.edu/library/help/misc/glossary.html

Do you have an eReader? Are you thinking about buying one? Or did someone give you one during the holidays? Well that's great because for the entire month of Feburary, we will be focusing on everything you need to know about the latest generations of the Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble Nook/Nook Color or the various Sony eReaders.

Our anticipated article "line-up" is as follows:

1. eReaders 101
2. eReader Terminology - apps? ePub? Wi-Fi? 3G? What does it all mean? Learn the basic terminology to stay ahead of the game.
3. eReader Brands - What's hot and what's not in the new e-World?
4. eReader Benefits - For example: Imagine all of the books on your shelf being compacted into one hand-held device, this along with other eReader benefits will be discussed.
5. How to Get Started with Overdrive? - Have you OD on Overdrive cause you're still trying to figure out how it works? We understand so we will post step-by-step instructions for how to get started.
6. eReader Apps (and Other Cool Features) - Look at the coolest built-in features as well as fun apps that you can download to your device.
7. eReader Buying Tips - We'll highlight the important features of the top-ranked eReaders to help you decide which one may be best for you.

---

DID YOU MISS OUR BLOG POSTINGS FROM JANUARY 2011?

Last month, we covered the latest in library product offerings from Overdrive to Mango to Research Databases, such as, Tutor.com and Teen Health & Welleness. Here are the links in case you missed it!

• Have You Checked Out "Dear Reader" Yet? (Jan 18th)
• Have You Heard About Tumblebooks? (Jan. 19th)
• Want to Learn a New Language Fast? (Jan. 20th)
• Are You Planning (Or Reestablishing) Your Career? (Jan. 21st)
• Why Teen Brains Fixate on Stuff Like Tacos & Ninjas? (Jan. 24th)
• Hey! Homework Help is Just a Click Away?!? (Jan. 25th)
• Why Buy When You Can Download? (Jan. 26th)
• Need to Practice for that Big Exam. Try Then... (Feb. 1st)
• Two Great Ways to Research You Family's Background (Feb. 2nd)

Did you get a nice, shiny e-reader for Christmas? How about a new iPod or MP3 player? Through your library’s newest service, Overdrive, you can checkout and download e-books and audiobooks without leaving your couch. (We also have music and videos available!)

All you need is your library card, a computer with an Internet connection, and free software.

How it works:

To start using Overdrive, visit our “Virtual Branch” at http://bossier.lib.overdrive.com/. Our homepage features iPod compatible audiobooks, the newest additions to our collections, and our most popular titles.

We have a variety of collections for you to browse on the left side of the page, including our audiobook (fiction /nonfiction), e-book (fiction / nonfiction), music, and video collections. These collections are broken down into different genres for more specific browsing. For example, our ‘Audiobook Fiction’ collection is broken down into several genres, such as Mystery, Romance, and Historical Fiction. We also have separate collections for children and teens. You can sort each collection by the date the titles were added, popularity, title, and creator.

Check out the public domain e-books from Project Gutenberg, which don’t count against your number of checkouts and are yours to keep forever.

To get started:

Find the “Software Downloads” link on the left side of our Virtual Branch Page. You must download two pieces of software:

• Adobe Digital Editions: e-book software.
• ADE will need to be activated with an email address. Follow directions on the installation screen. 
• Overdrive Media Console: allows you to enjoy audiobooks, music, and videos.

Once you install the software, you will be ready to download some books!

• Click on a title to download.
• Click “Add to my Digital Bookbag.”
• From there, you can “Browse for More Titles”, or “Proceed to Checkout.”

To Checkout:

• You will be prompted to “Sign In.”
•  Login with your library card number and PIN.
• Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your library card number.
• Select 7 or 14-day checkout.
• Click “Confirm Checkout.”
• Download your titles.
• E-books will open in Adobe Digital Editions.
• Audiobooks, music, and video will open in Overdrive Media Console

Once your titles are downloaded, you can transfer them to a portable device.

Don’t have a portable device? Not a problem! You can enjoy all of our downloadable materials directly from your computer!

Pros:

• Free of charge
• Available 24/7
• No late fees
• No wait time for overdue returns
• Once an item placed on hold returns to the system, you are immediately notified that it’s available to download

Cons:

• Publisher decides which titles are available and in which format
• Some books not available at all
• Some titles only available in one format
• May be incompatible with Macs
• However, we select the most versatile options for downloading, as well as the hottest titles as soon as they are available
• One book, one user
• We purchase individual electronic copies of a title, just like physical items.
• If a book is checked out, it’s unavailable to other patrons.
• However, you may put a hold on a book and will be notified via email when it is available.
• No renewals
• Can be checked out again immediately if no holds on item
• No early returns
• except for Adobe e-books

Getting started with this service may seem a little daunting, but have no fear! Once you get over the initial hurdles of downloading the software and transferring to a device for the first time, the process will be smooth sailing from there.

Tips:

• Guided Video Tour: http://www.overdrive.com/Solutions/Libraries/tour/MenuWelcome.html.
• We also recommend going over the “Getting Started” guide located on the left hand side of our Virtual Branch page. This will help you get familiar with the service. 
• Mobile Device and E-book Reader How-To Guide:
• http://www.overdrive.com/files/eBookHowToGuide.pdf
• E-book Devices Cheat Sheet: 
• http://overdrive.com/files/ebook-cheat-sheet.pdf
• Please note that the Amazon Kindle is not compatible with Overdrive. For a list of compatible devices, see: http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/

---

Kimberly is the Children’s Acquisitions Librarian and has worked at the Bossier Parish Library for 1.5 years. She has been fully immersed in Overdrive since September. Some of the downloadable titles she has recently enjoyed include “Freedom” by Jonathan Franzen, and “The Other Wes Moore” by Wes Moore. You can contact her with Overdrive questions at overdrive@bossierlibrary.org

---

*Click the table to enlarge.*

Last week, we discussed the Kindle 3. This week we are going to stay with Kindle, but go bigger. By bigger I mean the Kindle DX. The Kindle DX is as reliable as the smaller Kindles out there. The Kindle DX also has a bigger screen at 9.7 inches. This makes the Kindle DX one of the largest ereaders available for purchase. The Kindle DX weights just over 1 lb. You would think because of the bigger screen and bigger everything that it would hold more books. This is not true. The Kindle DX still hold 3500 book, which is a lot any way you look at it. With wireless off, the Kindle DX will last 2-3 weeks on one battery charge. With wireless turned on, the Kindle DX only lasts 7 days on one charge. The good thing about the Kindle DX is that there is only one version of it; which means the Kindle DX is both WiFi and 3G. Just like the other Kindle, the Kindle DX 3G is free. All in all, the Kindle DX is a good buy. If you are looking for a bigger screen and willing to compromise with the weight, then the Kindle DX is for you.

Be sure to check back later this week as we compare the Kindle DX to some of its competitors. Until next time, happy teching!

*Click on the table to enlarge.*

This week, we are continuing our discussion about ereaders and will be talking about the Kindle from Amazon. There are 3 versions of the Kindle, but we are only going to talk about 2 of them; the WiFi and WiFi+3G. Both are affordable and both have some awesome features!

The Kindle was first released on November 19, 2007. The day Kindle was first released Amazon’s stock ran out in 5 and a half hour and stayed out for 5 months! That just goes to show how highly anticipated this device was. The crazy thing is, the Kindle starting price was $399. That’s extremely high compared to what it is today. The Kindle 3, 3rd generation, is scheduled to be release later this month, August 3, at a steal; $139 WiFi and $189 WiFi+3G. If the new Kindle does what Amazon.com says, then the Kindle 3 is a nice piece of equipment. It still carries the 6” screen, but it packs some awesome features. The storage space has been doubled to 3500 books! The battery life is truly amazing as well. The Kindle 3 can go a month on a single charge; of course that’s with the WiFi turned off. Overall, this is an awesome device even for the casual reader.

Keep a watch for our review later this week. Until next time happy teching!

*Click on the image to enlarge.*

Continuing with our discussion on eReaders, this week we will be talking about the Sony Reader. Like we mentioned in our Walkman blog, Sony has done a good job in keeping up with technology and is competitive in many fields; the ebook field is no exception. Sony has designed three ereader models. Today we will be talking about the Touch Edition.

The Sony Reader Touch Edition is 1 of three readers Sony offers. Starting out at around $169, this ereader was PCWorld’s #1 ereader in 2009. In saying that, let’s look at the feature and specs to see why it was rated #1. The Touch Edition comes in 3 colors: red, black, or silver. It also supports audio files for listening to music. The Touch Edition comes with 512MB of user storage and users can add 16GB with a microSD card. It has a 6 inch grey level display that allows it to be read in the brightest of places. A user can also view multiple file formats with the Sony Touch Edition. For example, you can view files in PDF or Word formats. The battery lasts up to 2 weeks on a single charge.

Over all this is a good device. If you are in the market for an ereader, do not rule Sony out. Sure they have great TVs, computers, and mp3 players, but there ereaders are top of the line as well. Until next time, happy teching!

*Click on the table to enlarge.*

Over the past few years, many companies have been thinking of ways to go “green.” Companies in the book businesses have been thinking the same. With magazines and books being thrown away, and the waste of a lot of paper, publishers and the like have come up with devices that have changed the way the world will read books forever. I am talking about eReaders. eReaders are devices that allow you to read a book cover to cover electronically. This week we will be discussing the nook.

The nook, developed and sold by Barns and Nobles, is a one of a few popular ereaders on the market right now. When picking up and ereader for the first time, you will notice the screen does not have a backlight. This enables you to literally read books, magazines, etc. anywhere. Whether you are at the beach in the sun or in the quiet of your home, the nook can be read anywhere. Another key thing you will notice is there are 2 version of the nook. One is $150 and the other is $200. What’s the difference? The cheaper of the two is WiFi only whereas the more expensive one is WiFi and 3G. And the $200 has a dark grey back (if the makes a different). The good thing is that’s the only difference. They both hold 1500 books, can search over 1 million titles, and they can download samples of books for FREE.

Be sure to check back Thursday for our product review. Until next time… Happy Teching!