[LM_NET] HIT: ebook readers

[Pamela Thompson <pthomp@SISD.NET>]

Many wanted a hit posted. Only a few responses, but these are the responses I've 
received. I also found out that Amazon won't allow the Kindle in libraries. Here 
are the responses:



I've been trying out a Nook from B&N and I don't really care for it.  The screen 
"flashes" when it is switching pages and it is headache inducing for me.  I also 
don't like that the only touch-screen piece is a small window along the bottom that 
doesn't seem very responsive.  It is frustrating for me because there doesn't seem 
to be a way to create an account without entering your credit card information. I'm 
not willing to do that for a device being used by students and there doesn't seem 
to be any way around this unless they are downloading free e-pub  or PDF books and 
loading them through the computer as opposed to directly from B&N.  Since the touch 
screen is so small, the searching feature has been frustrating to me as well- you 
have to type into the small keyboard image, but it is difficult since I often hit 
the wrong letters by mistake. I'm not a technophobe either- I love and use all 
sorts of technology in my personal life and my teaching, but e-readers won't be 
added to that list.
**********

This probably isn't what you want, but I have an iPod Touch, and have
loaded both Kindle and B&N readers on it. Being a cheapskate, I only
download free books for each. When I finish one I add another.

The biggest issue that I've seen with the various ebook readers is that
they are designed for personal use, not library use, and a credit card
is associated with each one. That means that anyone who has one of those
readers is authorized to purchase additional books. I suspect that
whoever has one is also authorized to delete any books already on it.

For my money, I'll stick to regular books for the library until someone
comes up with a better solution.



*****************

I have the B&N Nook and like it very much. I bought it primarily
> for the wireless capability. At the time, Kindle did not have
> wireless capability but now they do.
>
> However I am not sure a Nook is ideal for multiple uses in a
> library situation. Each Nook is linked to a B&N account. Any
> user can download any book they desire wirelessly onto the Nook
> and the user account is charged. This is done without consulting
> with the account owner first.
>
> The Nook is also fragile. In order to make it less fragile, I
> bought a cover which opens like a book. My Nook has fallen with
> the cover on several times and no damage has occurred to it.
> Also the cover keeps the device clean.
>
> My local public library in NJ has entered into an agreement with
> Overdrive.com for the borrowing of e-Books. I use my public
> library card to log on and download the e-Book to my PC. Then I
> attach my Nook (via UBS) to the PC and transfer the e-Book.
> These books can be borrowed for up to 14 days and are erased
> from the Nook when the borrowing period has ended.
>
*******************

I have a Sony eReader for personal use, a 500 model (which was probably made in 
2006).  I really enjoy, its very sturdy, lightweight, and easy to use.

Advantages for library checkout is that you have to have the program loaded on your 
computer to move files on or off, and it is NOT connected to any credit card or the 
internet.  You can read .rtf, .gif, .pdf, and .lrf (Sony proprietary) files, and 
maybe some others.

Disadvantages for library checkout is that you have to have the program loaded on 
your computer to move files on or off, and that the battery life drops as it ages.  
It used to be good for 3-4 books, and I had a lot of warning before it shut down 
for a low battery.  Now, it is good for about 2.5, and it goes from half charged to 
dead within a hundred page turns.
If you went with a new Sony eReader, I would reccomend the one that is $199, 
because there is less to go wrong with it, and people can't customize and make 
notes.  The one for $299/399 (not sure which) has a touch screen, and a stylus to 
loose, and other issues.

Good luck!
****************

I chose the Sony ereader for my school...  for two reasons...students can't 
wirelessly download any book they want, which is what I understand is a great 
function on Kindle and (probably Nook)  for individuals but not for schools.  The 
device must be linked to an account and a specific computer (not hard to change the 
computer) but gives you a little more control over what goes on them.  The other 
reason is the option to put .pdf documents on them, as far as I could tell the 
others didn't accept pdf format.  I have several books received from publisher 
websites on pdf and could only read them on the computer until I got the readers.  
We got the Sony pocket for 199.00 but I think the larger touch would be better (I 
think it has a touch screen instead of buttons on the side) and the screen is a 
little bigger.

I have only checked out one to a student...am putting together a use form to take 
home and be signed before check-out.  Possibly only upper classmen (jrs and 
srs)...not sure yet.  Hope this info is helpful...good luck.


Pamela Thompson, MLIS
Library Media Specialist
Col. John O. Ensor Middle School
13600 Ryderwood
El Paso, TX
915-937-6018
pthomp@sisd.net<mailto:pthomp@sisd.net>

visit my YA novel blog at http://booksbypamelathompson.blogspot.com/


"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog is too dark to 
read." --Groucho Marx

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