Hastings District Libraries

eBooks and downloadable audiobooks are available Hastings District Libraries, through ePukapuka Overdrive, the Lower North Island Digital Library Group consortium.    Click the Overdrive logo on our homepage to go to the ePukapuka site. 

What are eBooks?  What is an eReader?  Which eReader should I buy?  What do I do about downloading content? 

Which eReaders are not compatible with OverDrive?

• Borrowing basics
• What are eBooks and Audiobooks?
• What is an eReader?
• Which eReader should I buy?
• Considerations when choosing an eReader
• Sources for checking out eReaders / Incompatible with OverDrive?
• Downloading content 
  
  

Borrowing basics

See www.hastingslibrary.co.nz/borrowing-ebooks

File Formats

What are eBooks & Audiobooks?

Downloadable content comes in various file formats: 

eBooks - for reading

Electronic books, digital books, eBooks, downloadable books… they’re all more or less the same thing – basically, a printed book in digital (electronic) form.  The common file formats for reading text on eBooks are e-PUB, PDF or HTML.

Audiobooks - for listening to

Downloadable audiobooks are the electronic version of a talking book in cassette, CD or MP3 format. The common file types for listening to an audiobook are MP3 or WMA. 

Music and video formats are not available from Hastings District Libraries at the present time.

Hastings District Libraries will have a range of eBooks and downloadable audiobooks for loan. This content will be provided through a vendor called OverDrive, but other vendors have similar products and the Libraries may also subscribe to these in the future.

What is an eReader?

An eReader is a dedicated portable device for reading eBooks or listening to downloadable audiobooks. Any device with Digital Rights Management (DRM) software should be able to access e-content available through Hastings District Libraries.

Most eReaders have black and white screens, but colour screens will soon be widely available and technology will see advances made in graphic reproduction (pictures).

You can also play or read e-content on your home computer, iPad, iTouch or iPod, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, or similar devices.

Which eReader should I buy?

Hastings District Libraries does not recommend or advise which device you should buy. There are thousands of eReader models available, but many are currently unavailable in New Zealand. If you choose to purchase overseas, bear in mind that you may not be protected by relevant NZ legislation (such as the Consumer Guarantees Act).

Any device with Digital Rights Management (DRM) software should be able to access e-content available through Hastings District Libraries. (Please check that the device is compatible with Overdrive before purchasing.)

eReaders have been reviewed by Consumer magazine and online reviews for most models are available on the internet. Talk to someone you know who already has one to find out what they like and dislike about their device.

Considerations when choosing an eReader

1. Wifi capability – can you download direct to your eReader, or to a computer first? How fast is its download speed?
2. Content – what file formats does the device support? Will your device enable download of files from Hastings District Libraries’ collections? (Some eReaders are not compatible with OverDrive - see below.) Does the eReader only allow some vendors’ content to be downloaded?
3. Screen – an e-reader screen is smaller than other devices, but it may use e-ink technology that makes it look like a “real” book. They may also be better in certain light conditions than a backlit device. Is it a B&W screen or colour?
4. Touch capability – is touch screen capability important to you? Is a stylus supplied?
5. Font adjustability – can the font size be adjusted? Can the page orientation be adjusted?
6. Battery - how many page turns before the battery needs recharging? What about standby? How is the battery charged – via a computer USB connection, or is there a mains adapter? Can the battery be replaced?
7. Price – what value for your money? Customer support? Features? etc.
8. Memory – what onboard storage capacity does the device have? Can it be extended with memory card slots?
9. Extra features – many eReaders have preloaded dictionaries, text-to-speech capability, preloaded books, note-taking capability, etc.
   

Sources for checking eReaders

1. OverDrive has information on their website about some devices they have tested. 
   Please note that not all of these devices are available in New Zealand & see the note below about Kindle.
   Our OverDrive site may not offer all the formats listed.
   
   Device Resource Centre http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc
    
2. Incompatible Devices
   There is a short list of devices that are not compatible at http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/incompatibledevices.aspx 
   Please see the note at the bottom of this link regarding the changing nature of device hardware and software.
   
   Kindle is not compatible with Overdrive in New Zealand at present.
   Although some new Kindle services are becoming available in the USA, it may be some time before Kindle is compatible  in New Zealand. 
     
3.  Wikipedia has a comparison of eBook readers, but remember that many may not be available in New Zealand. 
   See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_e-book_readers
   
   
4. Remember you can read eBooks on your laptop or home computer.

Kindle?

Kindle is not compatible

with Overdrive in New Zealand at present.  Although some new Kindle services are becoming available in the USA, it may be some time before Kindle is compatible  in New Zealand. 

Downloading content & Copyright

Whether you download to your computer first, or direct to your eReader, remember you should only use reputable sites, so that you are not downloading illegally under NZ Copyright legislation.

And if you want to share your favourite eBook with someone else, then lend them your eReader, or refer them to the website you used, rather sharing the file (which is illegal). 

Happy e-reading!