E-Books- An eBook is an electronic version of a traditional print book that can be read by using a personal computer or by using an eBook reader.

1.   Discuss the advantages of the format.

-       Can be downloaded onto your PC hard drive or palm pilots

-       Cost less than books in print

-       Some are free

-       Books can be printed out from the website

-       Many types of genres are located in the large databases.

-       Books can be read to them using read to text.

2.    Discuss the disadvantages of the format. 

-       They may not download onto your computer. Must have the proper software capability.

-       References can’t be download access must be purchased.

-       A computer or some type of device that has network connections is required to gain access to the ebooks.

-       No rebinding of books when it gets old

-       Book readers can be stolen

-       Book readers are more fragile than paper books and damage

3.    Discuss the implications for collection development.

LMS should search all of the ebook sites and decide what will best fit the needs of her school before making purchases.

4.    Discuss possible copyright considerations of the format.

-       E-books can be hacked, or disseminated without approval from the author or publisher, through the use of hardware or software mods.

-       In order to be acceptable to authors, publishers, and booksellers, ebooks must have copyright protection that equals or exceeds that possessed by paper books.

-       There is presently no standard means of protecting copyright for ebooks.

-       EBX, or Electronic Book eXchange, is a system for applications and devices that uses public-key cryptography for copyright protection and distribution of ebooks.