Ebooks are electronic or digital versions of books you can read on your computer screen or a variety of portable devices such as Kindle, Nook, or smart cellphones. Devices can vary widely in the formats they are able to support. Ebooks formats include txt, epub, pdf and more. Sources: Provided by Kansas through Audiobooks, music and more (not compatible with Kindle or Apple iPad) You may need to download a piece of software, and you will need a Kansas Library card to access this resource. Free Public Domain: Project Gutenberg, Manybooks.net or for purchase from various sources. Locate sources for ebooks with the search engine Inkmesh.
State Library Guide to Ebook Readers (pdf) Ebook Reader Comparison Chart (excel)
Audiobooks are books you can download and listen to on your computer, or transfer them to portable devices such as mp3 players, ipods, or a variety of smart cellphones. Devices can vary widely in the formats they are able to support. Audiobook formats include mp3, wma and more. Sources: Provided by Kansas through Audiobooks, music and more. Check to see if your portable device is compatible. To access this resource you will need to download the OverDrive Media Console to your computer and you will need a Kansas Library card. Free public domain audiobooks can be found at LibriVox.
Listen….You can also download music to your computer, and transfer it to a portable device to take with you. Some music is available at Audiobooks, music and more. Music formats include mp3, wav and more.
Listen and Learn…In addition to listening to books, there are many podcasts, or audio files available for free to download to your computer. They can be transferred to your portable device to listen to as you walk, exercise, cook, or clean house. Just one example is the podcast of Car Talk from NPR…these guys are very funny and informative if you haven’t heard them.
Watch and Learn…No doubt you’ve heard of Youtube, a website where videos live.These vary from music videos of Josh Turner to videos on how to improve your posture. If you haven’t heard of TED Talks, you can view people speaking on ideas from Steve Jobs on how to live before you die to Dan Pink on the suprising science of motivation.
Explore the multitude of ways to read, listen, and watch the many available resources!
