Electronic Book Resources: General E-book Information

It is important to understand that many e-books are copyrighted works.  Frequently, copyrighted e-books are distributed with digital rights management (DRM) in order to dissuade copyright infringements.  DRM is a set of technologies included in certain file formats that limit how files can be accessed, copied or transferred.  It also allows items to be virtually "checked-out" for a period of time, which allows for libraries to loan out e-book content.

Advantages of E-books

• Available wherever you have an internet connection
• Weight and size depend upon the device you use
• Adjustable font and size
• Searchable
• Digital note-taking, bookmarking, etc
• Media can be embedded into e-books
• Hyperlinking is available within and outside of the e-book

Disadvantages of E-books

• Require hardware and software
• Limited availability of titles
• No secondhand market for e-books
• Limited availability of loaning arrangements
• Backlit screens can cause eye strain

To avoid confusion, it is best to clarify the boundaries between three technological terms.

• An e-book really refers to some text stored inside a file format.
• "Reader" software that can access and interpret the e-book file.
• A device that can run the appropriate software which can open the e-book file.

Most devices have preloaded software used to open and display e-books.  Additional software can be acquired to support different file formats or personal preferences.

E-books are distributed in a variety of file formats.  The following are some of the most commonly used standards.