The Future of Whole
School Learning Content,
Provision and Acquisition
of eBooks
SLAV Workshop
October 14th 2013 – Etihad Stadium
The Present
eBooks
An electronic book (also e-book, E-book,
EBook, eBook, digital book) is a text and
image-based publication in digital form
produced on, published by, and readable on
computers or other digital devices.
eBooks
• The Oxford Dictionary of English
defines the e-book as
“an electronic version of a
printed book,” but e-books can
and do exist without any printed
equivalent.
Computer based eBooks
– Text only
– HTML
– PDF
– MS PowerPoint
– ePub
– Proprietary formats
– Other open source formats
Digital Devices
– Mobile and Smart Phones
– Tablets (Android, Windows, iOS)
– Dedicated eBook readers
– eBook devices (Sony, Kindle, Nook)
– Computing platforms
eBooks
Acquisition
– Commercial publishers
– eBook websites and services
• Amazon, iTunes, Book Depository
–
–
–
–
–
–
PDF websites
Free online eBook sources
Open Source content
Children’s books and literature
Talking Books
Book resources for print handicapped and blind users
Apps
Standalone Apps are created as eBooks
containing text, drawings and paintings,
animated effects, illustrations, photographs
and other media embedded in the
electronic publication.
The considerations for
libraries in acquiring and
providing eBooks are varied
and diverse.
Issues relating to
content
cost
storage
distribution
allocation and licensing
of eBook-based resources require scrutiny,
planning and research.
Infrastructure
Speed and quality of Internet access
Reliability of the Internet service provider
(ISP)
IT Resources
Servers (both physical and proxy)
Switches and hubs
Computer access
Tablet and digital device access
Physical Access
Cabling (optical, Cat 5/6 wiring)
Access to power
Decentralised distribution of resources
Wireless Provision
Speed
Number and placement of wireless points
and amplifiers
Signal strength and range
Maintaining prevailing standards
Technical Support
In-house or out-sourced technicians
Ensuring best practise
Determination
Online requests
Forums
Popular booklists
Initiatives by library staff
Book clubs
Membership
Cost
Budgeting
Replacement (damage, left, loss,
corruption of media)
Additional licences
Distribution
Via automated systems
Circulation software or dedicated systems
(e.g. iBooks)
Copyright
eBooks purchased as resources with
appropriate copies and licences
Circulation and borrowing
Libraries and eBooks
• Libraries help authors through
Exposure. Libraries help authors get noticed:
libraries host author events, feature books at
book clubs and spotlight and promote titles
on websites.
Libraries and eBooks
• Libraries help authors through
• Respect. Libraries honour authors’ work.
Libraries protect copyright, and pay for what
they use.
• Libraries want authors to keep writing, and
make a living at it.
Libraries and eBooks
• Libraries help authors through
Love of reading. Libraries help grow readers –
and writers.
Libraries and eBooks
• Libraries help authors through
Exposure. Libraries help people find authors.
Readers discover new authors, topics, and
genres in libraries.
The Future
New standards will emerge, so
obsolescence and ongoing viability of
devices, Apps and eReader technologies
require vigilance and research in order
to realise long-term gains.
New devices will emerge with increased
speed, features, functionality and
communications.
New genres will be develop with greater
capacities, capabilities and rich media
integration.
‘E-books have changed the world of publishing
in fundamental ways.
The business model that encouraged
publishers to support the work of public
libraries has changed to such an extent that
this relationship has been stressed to the
point of non cooperation.’ (Source)
eBooks vs. Books
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Publishing houses are closing
Cost imperatives have transformed publishing
Paper, ink, binding costs
Delivery (weight, bulk, transport costs)
Storage, shelf space, shelf life
Electronic management systems
Inflexible (font style, size, colour, page size and
orientation)
eBooks vs. Books
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Travel
Storage
Price
Speed
Font adjustments
Price
Night reading
Resources
Articles
Turning the Page - The Future of eBooks
The Future of Publishing – The Future of eBooks
A New Chapter for eBooks (BBC Future)
The Future of Librarians in an eBook World
Universal Access to eBooks
eBooks – Teaching and Learning
Free eBook Sites
Project Gutenberg
eBooks@Adelaide
JacketFlap
Free Book Spot
Bookyards
Many Books
PDFs Free
Publishing eBooks
eBook publishing software (Stanza, Blio)
eBook Apps
Creative Book Builder, Book Creator, Book Writer
Cast UDL Book Builder
Tar Heel Reader
PS PowerPoint
Tools
Media Conversion Programs
Audacity (Win and Mac OS)
Format Factory (Win)
PixResizer (Win)
Irfanview (win)
WonderShare Video Converter (Mac OS)
Jalbum (Win and Mac)
Tools
Text to Speech Programs
PowerTalk
Orato
Balabolka
SpeakComputer
Do at least ONE new thing with an eBook…
Soon.
Gerry Kennedy IT Consultancies 2013 P: 03 9894 4826 M: 0411 569 840 E: specmelb@bigpond.net.au Twitter: @gkict