eBooks in my hand?

We're getting lots of ebook compatibility questions...maybe because lots of folks got a device for Christmas, and just because eBooks are more popular than ever. Here's the REAL QUESTION FROM OUR USERS:

Can I read an eBook from the Library on my [Kindle, Sony, iPhone] ???
Here's the Short Answer: Sorry, but NO.

Our Library has ebooks which can be read on a PC or laptop (NetLibrary) or OverDrive Mobipocket eBooks--which can be read/downloaded to a PC/laptop/netbook and compatible mobile devices like BlackBerry, Palm OS devices and Smartphones with web access. Unfortunately, Mobipocket Reader is not supported on Mac or Linux systems.

Our Mobipocket titles are compatible with some single-purpose ebook devices (cybook, etc.), though not the Kindle/Sony/Nook/iPhone/iPad (the new Apple tablet). Because of cost and compatibility limitations, the library does not offer any eBook reading devices for checkout.

• Kindle devices only accept Kindle titles purchased from Amazon.
  Kindle for PC and Kindle for iPhone reader are available. Look for free Kindle titles.
• Barnes & Noble is selling eBooks compatible with their Nook reader. Since late 2009, Nook devices accept the EPUB format, including "Non DRM or Adobe DRM" EPUB, among others.
• Microsoft eBooks are purchased and read with the Micosoft reader software.
• Sony only recently agreed to partner with the OverDrive vendor for licensing eBooks in the "Adobe DRM-protected EPUB format," which should be compatible with the newer Sony readers.
• Apple's iPad *looks* like it supports ebooks through Apple's ibook store using EPUB--but NOT the Adobe version.
  
  But Wait!!!
  
  DC Public has taken the lead in this area, and was able to buy many more downloadable titles than most of our neighbors --much as Fairfax has built a strong print muscical scores collection. Metro area residents *will* need to obtain a free DC library card before any eBook downloading.

Additionally, many free EPUB format eBooks can be found and downloaded at Project Gutenberg, who provide a variety of DRM-free formats. These can be read on quite a few "devices" like compatible Sony readers, PC's Macs, etc. While not the latest bestsellers, many classic titles and enjoyable eBooks are available.

What's so hard about it?
1. No single format has been established--e.g.--there's no eBook "VHS" format like for good old videotapes. Why not? This is a volatile area--just see some of lively debate at Teleread. Take Note: articles on the future of reading and of books abound.

2. We DO have to buy these. When we launched our OverDrive collection, they didn't offer the EPUB format--we chose Mobipocket as the most flexible format to appeal to our community. And ....what with POP (Plain Old Print), Books on CD, OverDrive MP3 or WMA, Mobipocket eBook....the cost for each format of just one title--well, it adds up quickly.

Today, at OverDrive, we offer 877 Mobipocket eBooks.
1039 MP3 eAudio titles and 2147 WMA titles.