All Aboard the eBook Train! 

Tablets & eReaders Not Required!   

From www.makeuseof.com

An enlightening MakeUseOf article by Yaara Lancet, "Quick Guide:  How To Enjoy eBooks Without A Tablet Or An eReader”, shares new ways of exploring eBooks. 

As the popularity of eBooks soars to new heights, there’s certainly no denying that the opportunity to have nearly instant access to your favorite book is a marvel for readers everywhere. Yet many of us feel removed from the sweeping sensation of eBooks because we don’t have eReaders or tablets. What we may not realize is that these devices are no longer the only channels by which we can enjoy the splendor of eBooks:  your computer offers many of these same opportunities!  Even better, as a member of our Saint Leo University community, you have the opportunity to view over 250,000 eBooks available to you online from Daniel A. Cannon Memorial Library.

Here is some more information about accessing our amazing eBook collection:

Our Library’s eBook Collection

Click here to learn about all of the full-text databases that comprise our eBook and eReference collection.  Once you enter your Saint Leo login and password, you have instant access to e-books online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Click here to learn more about eBook options available through our Open Access Collections - no login or password needed!

eBook Apps Available Online For Your Computer

In addition, check out these fantastic apps Lancet recommends:

Nook for PC/Mac/Web

While Barnes & Noble’s eReader, the Nook, is sold as both a simple eReader ($99) and a tablet ($199, but look out for sales where prices are often reduced to $179), as well as other variations,  these devices are not necessary to appreciate the variety of offerings at the Nook Store.  Nook Reader is also accessible for PC, Mac, and via a Web version congruent with IE, Firefox, Safari and Chrome.  All of these versions are free and allow you to read eBooks directly on your desktop. To experience Nook products, you must first create a BN.com account. Click here to return to the article where you can learn more about Nook eBook options available on your computer and find the links to download the apps. 

Kindle for PC/Mac/Cloud

The ever popular Kindle, Amazon’s pride and joy, offers several eReader versions from the basic Kindle ($79) to the more advanced Kindle Fire tablet (which is now sold out with speculation of an upgraded version to be released in the early fall) to the ultimate Kindle DX ($379), as well as other variations.  However, Kindle books can also be appreciated without any of these devices.  As long as you have an Amazon account, these free app options are available to you: Kindle Cloud Reader, “compatible with Firefox, Chrome and Safari” and “the Kindle desktop app for Windows or Mac.”  Click here to return to the article where you can learn more about Kindle eBook options available on your computer and find the links to download the apps.

Kobo for Windows/Mac/Web

Another popular eReader, Kobo, also provides “its own set of desktop and web apps for reading eBooks.”  Although Lancet describes the app as “the least responsive and intuitive”, she also declares that “it makes up for these faults with a slick reading interface”.  To begin getting books, a Kobo account must first be created.  Click here to return to the article where you can learn more about all the options available through Kobo's eReading apps.

Calibre for Windows/Mac/Linux

MakeUseOf and Lancet sing high praises about this eReader and have even created their own freely downloadable guide.  More than just an eReader, Calibre is also an “eBook organizer which you can use to read books from almost any eBook provider out there, and in almost any available format, including ePub” (electronic publications).  In addition, Calibre allows you to “convert eBooks to different formats.”  Click here to return to the article where you can learn more about Calibre's options and find the link to download the apps for Windows/Mac/Linux.   

Booki.sh for Web

For easy eBook reading via your browser, especially anything involving ePUBs, check out the web app, Booki.sh!  Supportive of “ePubs as well as other formats”, Booki.sh can be used “to browse local stores for eBooks” or to “upload your own ePUB files for easy reading.”  Able to be used “both online and offline”, Booki.sh “supports Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and IE, with Opera support coming soon.”  In addition, Booki.sh can be used for reading “on your iOS, Android or Blackberry devices.”  While Lancet mentions that this reader is “not as sophisticated as others”, she asserts that it offers all the “basic” functioning of any “desktop eReader”.  Click here to learn more about the many possibilities Booki.sh offers.
                                                 - Kerry Vash, Online Librarian, Blog Co-editor -