eBook Disadvantages Compared to pBooks  
© Charlotte Johnson 2/02

Negative attributes noted by users and librarians:

·   libraries need to load titles on reading devices (most eTexts are dedicated to hardware, so there is no interoperability at this stage – though both Microsoft and Adobe are working on software to change this)

·   the archival potential of an eTexts is still unknown, particularly with competing, proprietary formats that do not fully meet the Open Ebook Standards

·   each reading device is circulated with a number of books, making them unavailable 
to others 

·   libraries must circulate a number of pieces (the stylus, the AC adapter, a cleaning cloth, the case, etc.) along with the reading device

·   libraries must remove patron customization upon return

·   devices are changing (going out of date or production) very quickly, without upgrade options, and still lack durability

·   credit cards are required for most purchases

·   prices of reading devices and eTexts are still too high

·   libraries don’t get the same discounts that they do for pbooks (up to 40%)

·   screen resolution is still much below that of print on paper

·   titles are not yet well-covered by libraries’ traditional suppliers

·   titles are only slowly being reviewed by respected sources

·   copyright and lending issues still need to be clarified and simplified

·   publishing information is often poor on eTexts, making authentication and 
    cataloging difficult

·   libraries find it difficult to provide public terminals for extended reading