I am discovering digital books only a few days. I find this interesting, but like all technology-related applications, I wonder whether they can really help to improve student learning.

Posted by Gabriella Zonno on August 5, 2010 02:26:09PM

I am a writer, what can I do to work with you guys? Please, I just want to edite mt novels and books Alex de Valente

Posted by alex de valente on August 5, 2010 03:17:32PM

Hmmm - perhaps the telling element here is that everyone received this survey request, even people, like me, who are no longer connected to libraries. How about a header announcing who should complete the survey. I was worried that I COULD complete the survey and win that blasted ipod. To sum up my unwanted comments -- phooey on ebooks.

Posted by Jake on August 6, 2010 12:48:49PM

There is nothing like the feel, smell and the tacit feeling of a book. once power is lost/battery goes dead, can you light a candle or a flash light and continue to read. I think not!!!!! The computer tires my eyes, I wonder what an e-book will do.

Posted by Kathie Shaw on August 6, 2010 03:08:05PM

I have been reading ebooks for more that 5 years. I started reading fan fiction and short stories on my Palm and was an early adopter of the Kindle. I still read paper books however my Kindle travels everywhere with me and allows me to read what I want anywhere. It's battery charge lasts for weeks and it is no different for my middle aged eyes that reading paper (I have reservations about backlit screens for reading.) Both of my young adult daughters have other brands of ebooks and also carry them everywhere.

Posted by Ann on August 7, 2010 01:30:25AM

Kathie, the better ebooks have e-ink. It looks like you're reading a paperback book. I have a Kindle and have never felt strain on my eyes. I switch back and forth between real books and ebooks and I always carry both with me. I fancy myself a semi-equal opportunity reader. Hahaha. Jake I don't fit in any of the categories either. Oh the temptation of a possible win!

Posted by Peep on August 20, 2010 12:27:22PM

Just finished the survey and hit the wrong button. Did not have an opportunity to give my name, etc., for the drawing. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Susan Drissi Chillicothe Public Library District 430 N Bradley Avenue Chillicothe, IL 61523-1920

Posted by Susan Drissi on August 20, 2010 12:31:07PM

since i no longer work in a library (formerly K-12, public, HS) i cannot take the survey. if you mount a survey of users, it may be helpful to you to know what is available in our libraries, how we utilize the non-print materials, how often we check them out, and what our expectations are for technology in the library.

Posted by sharlya gold on August 22, 2010 12:16:54AM

I just completed the survey. I want to say more in response to the question "do you subscribe to or have you purchased ebooks?". We do not have our own subscription, but through our statewide consortium our patrons have access to at least one ebook database. I answered no - taking the question literally, as it applied to my library system, but could have answered otherwise if being part of a consortium counts. I should note that we do not make a budgeted payment to this consortium. It is funded through the state library.

Posted by Kathleen Phillips on August 23, 2010 12:29:42PM