Library offers advice on using electronic books

January 29th, 2013
[by David Armstrong]

Motueka Library is offering to help book readers wanting to join the popular trend of reading electronic books using e-reader devices currently available on the market.

Library staff will be available by appointment throughout the month of February to advise people on the different types of e-readers selling these days, and on how to borrow e-books from the library.

E-books, such as the Amazon Kindle shown in this photo, allow you to download books over the internet and view them on the screen. Buttons and icons enable you to turn and flip "pages" and read at your own pace, and most models give very clear print that is easy on the eye.

The download process involves small payments, but these are usually quite a bit less than the cost of buying books.

Different brands and models of e-readers are designed for different purposes, so if you're planning to buy one here is the opportunity to get the best one for your needs.

Motueka Library, through Tasman District Libraries, is also part of the South Island Consortium including a total of 13 libraries which make e-books and audiobooks available for borrowing, using a system called Overdrive. There are currently 1071 items available to borrow using Overdrive.

Does this mean that e-books will soon replace paper books and make libraries redundant? Motueka's chief Branch Librarian Helen McCubbin sees the future lying in both formats, and that libraries will continue to be important.

"I believe that libraries should evolve alongside technology," she says. "Books are always going to be a part of what we do, but libraries are there to provide a space for people to read, listen, create, and share - regardless of the medium.

"We are therefore offering one-on-one sessions that will give customers a chance to learn about e-book technologies and what the library can offer them in this area."

Those wanting to avail themselves of this service are asked to make an appointment by contacting Anne Swann to book a time. Phone .

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