Is an eReader on Your List? Part 1

Thinking of asking for an eReader this year, or of giving one as a gift to a friend or family member?  There are many factors to consider when trying to decide the right model for you.  Consider some of these factors (here below) and don't be shy to ask your Information librarian for clarification!

1.  How long do you usually read?
If you're a sort of pick-it-up, put-it-down person, you may do very well with a tablet or color device (like an iPad or Kindle Fire).  These types of devices have an LCD screen, so reading for very long may tire out your eyes.  If you generally like to read for longer stretches of time-- like half an hour at least-- you may have a more comfortable reading experience with an eInk device.  These black and white devices (such as the Nook Simple Touch, Kobo Touch, or Kindle) don't create their own light the way a TV or computer monitor do, but rely on light in the environment, exactly like a regular paper book.

2.  Where do you usually read?
If you like to read in sunlight or brightly-lit rooms, an eReader that emits no light will offer the least glare or reflection.  Black and white eInk devices are easily readable in all the same lighting environments where you would read a print book. Color LCD devices do emit their own light, and so can be read in the dark, such as if you prefer to read a few minutes before bed at night.
A happy medium are black and white eInk devices that now offer a light source.  The Nook GlowLight, Kobo Glo, and Kindle Paperwhite marry a light-less eInk screen with an incorporated book light.  The small white light lives inside the device case and shines uniformly across the text, instead of coming from the screen or behind the text.  It'll feel just like reading by lamplight.
If a lit eInk screen might be the direction you're leaning, consider that some models can have the light option turned off, while others can only be turned down.

3.  What downloadable service does your library use?
Neill Public Library's downloadable books from OverDrive include books that are compatible with most major devices.  However, if you're buying an eReader or mobile device as a gift for someone else, call their local library to check that the intended device is indeed compatible with the downloadable content offered by that library. That way, the receiver can keep their device constantly full of new titles, at no cost!

4.  What formats do you want to be able to use?
eInk devices can only accept their identified eBook formats; that is, they are limited to books that you would read on the device.  Many tablet and color devices, however, are also compatible with our downloadable audio content.  If you're primarily a book reader, an eReader may meet all your needs.  If you are a book listener, or even just like to dabble a bit, a device with more versatility may meet more of your needs.

Come back later this week for more options to consider, and ask your Information librarian if you have questions!