eBooks

Browse eBooks

Quicklinks

Useful terminology
Dedicated eReaders - make and model comparisons
Dedicated eReaders - features to look for
Reading eBooks on desktops / laptops
iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
Android smartphone
eReader applications / software

Useful Terminology

Device

A device is a piece of electronic equipment which enables you to read an eBook. Some popular devices are laptops, desktop computers, iPhones, smartphones or dedicated eReaders (e.g. Kobo, Sony Reader).
eBook

eBooks are electronic books that can be read digitally on a computer, laptop or other devices, such as an eReader or smartphone.
eBook Formats

eBooks come in a variety of formats. Timaru District Libraries will offer encrypted 'ePub' and 'PDF' formats. epub is fast becoming the standard eBook format.
DRM

DRM stands for Digital Rights Management. Library eBooks are encypted with DRM to protect from illegal copying and distribution. When you download an eBook from us the eBook format will appear as '.acsm'.
What devices are suitable for reading eBooks?

Any device that can read encrypted 'epub' or 'PDF' files is suitable for reading Library eBooks. Some devices may require separate software (application) to be installed in order to view or download Library eBooks.
Application

An application is software that allows you to read DRM protected Library eBooks on your device. It's usually installed and configured once and can then be used with ease thereafter.

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eReaders

There are essentially two flavours of eReader available on the market today:

Dedicated eReaders (Kobo, Amazon Kindle etc.) built solely for reading eBooks
Other devices (computers, smartphones etc.) that use software (applications) to read eBooks

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Dedicated eReaders - make & model comparisons

Model	Indicative Cost	Wifi	Touch	Dictionary	Text-to-Speech	Adjustable Fonts	Formats
Sony PRS-T12BC	$179	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	ePub, ePub (DRM), PDF
Kobo Touch	$169	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	ePub, ePub (DRM), PDF
Kobo Wifi	$169	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	ePub, ePub (DRM), PDF
Kobo Glo	$199	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	ePub, ePub (DRM), PDF
Kindle Paperwhite	$260	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	AZW
Kobo Vox	$299	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	ePub, ePub (DRM), PDF

The table above and related links are a selection of dedicated eReaders available in the marketplace and not an endorsement of any particular product or vendor by us. Supported formats mentioned are indicative only and not a comprehensive list.

For a device to work with the Timaru District Libraries eBooks, it must support reading DRM encrypted 'epub' or 'pdf' formats. We recommend you check with your retailer before purchase.

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Dedicated eReaders - features to look for

Feature	Comment
Supported file formats	It’s best to buy a device that can read multiple file formats. Common file formats include epub, pdf and html. Check to see if DRM is supported.
Wireless or Wi-fi	Means you can connect the eBook to a wireless network to download content.
Battery life and replaceable battery	The life of your eBook battery is crucial. Some devices can last four weeks without needing to be recharged, others only last a few days. It’s also best to ask if the device has a replaceable battery.
Power options	Most eReaders can only charge through a computer USB port. With some models you may be able to buy a mains power adapter.
Memory or internal storage	All eReaders have onboard memory. Many also have memory-card slots.
Integrated dictionary	Most devices have an internal dictionary that can easily look up words.
Text-to-speech	Some eBooks have audio capability and can actually ‘read’ the book to you. It’s best to test this before purchase.
Weight of device	Devices vary in weight; try holding the device before buying.
Change of font size	Look at the ease of reading on screen and the ability to change font size.

Many models are currently scarce in New Zealand. Buy locally if you can; the protections of the Consumer Guarantees Act won’t apply if you buy one from an overseas retailer.

You can purchase Sony eReaders from Sony’s website, Sony Style stores, and selected Borders and Whitcoulls stores. Kobo eReaders are available from Whitcoulls. Bebook Minis and ECO Readers are available for purchase online.

Caution: Be aware that the new Kindle eReaders on sale at DSE, Countdown and via Amazon.com are not compatible with the eBooks available for download from many libraries, including Timaru District Libraries when our eBook service launches.

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What other devices can I use as an eReader?

Device	Application / Software to Install
Desktops/ laptops (Windows / Mac OS X)	Adobe Digital Edition
iPhone, iPad and iPod touch	Bluefire Reader
Android Smartphone	txtr / Aldiko
Kobo Vox Android 2.2 or older	Overdrive

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eReader Applications / Software

In most instances your device will require an application to read eBooks you loan from us.

This is because our eBooks are protected with Digital Rights Management (DRM) meaning 'epub' or 'pdf' formatted books will appear as 'acsm' files on your device.

Adobe Digital Editions

If you want to read Library eBooks on your PC or laptop we recommend the Adobe Digital Editions application. Other devices may need this application to view Library eBooks, or to enable Library eBooks to be downloaded onto them via computer.

Bluefire Reader

We recommend this application for eBook reading using Apple iPhone, iPad or iPod touch devices (requires iOS 3.0 or higher)

Apple iTunes: Bluefire Reader - Download & Install

Overdrive

We recommend this application for using the Kobo Vox (Android 2.2 or older)

Overdrive Media Console

txtr

Helpful eReader application for your Android smartphone or tablet. Turn pages with gestures, adjust the font size or use the night mode in dark environments.