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E-Readers

A guide on how to access and transfer Library resources to your device.

Android & Apple E-Resources

Acquiring E-Resources

Since most Android and Apple OS devices have a native web browser, you can view or download library e-resources directly over wifi or mobile networks. Cloud file hosting services like Dropbox can also be used to easily transfer and share files between computers and mobile devices.

Reading E-Resources

Tablets and smart phones are able to read a variety of formats. You will need the appropriate applications (apps) to open and manage e-resources on your device.

Android

As well as dedicated apps created by Kindle, NOOK, Google Play, and other e-reader manufacturers, there are several free and paid options to read e-resources on your Android phone or tablet. Several popular options are listed below.

Apple

As well as dedicated apps created by Kindle, NOOK, Google Play, and other e-reader manufacturers, there are several free and paid options to read e-resources on your Apple phone or tablet. Several popular options are listed below. Apple phone and tablets also include the native iBooks app.

Kindle

Both Macintosh and Windows users can download and transfer personal documents and MP3 and Audible files from a computer to a Kindle through the USB connection. Your Kindle appears as a removable mass-storage device when connected to your computer's USB port. Your Kindle should appear on your computer in the same location you would normally find an external USB drive.

  • Connect your Kindle to your computer with the included USB cable.
  • Use your computer's file browser to drag and drop files to and from Kindle
  • When finished, use your computer's eject/undock feature to remove your Kindle

Remember, Kindle will only recognize transferred files if:

  • They are recognized file types.
  • Files are transferred to the correct folder for their type.
  • Files are free of digital rights management software.

Kindle only supports files purchased through the Amazon marketplace (AZW/AZW1) or DRM-free files.

  • Amazon DRM (AZW, AZW1)
  • MOBI (DRM free), PRC
  • TXT (plain text), DOC (Microsoft Word)
  • Various audio, video and image file types.

EPUB eBooks are not supported on any Kindle devices.
In addition to the supported file types, Amazon also offers a service to convert personal files (DRM free) to Kindle supported formats. Please see your device manual, or the Amazon webpage for details.

NOOK

Files can be transfered to your NOOK using the custom microUSB cable provided.  Connect your NOOK to your computer. When you connect your NOOK to your personal computer, your NOOK will appear as a new removable drive on your personal computer.

  1. Drag the files you want to transfer onto this drive.
  2. To organize the files, open the NOOK drive. You'll see several folders.
  3. Move your personal files in the My Files folder.
  4. When you are finished, eject the NOOK Color drive from your personal computer and disconnect the NOOK microUSB cable.
  5. Personal files on your NOOK can be found in the library. > Library > My Stuff > My Files.

NOOK readers support both Barnes & Noble (B&N) and Adobe DRM protected files. To Adobe DRM protected files make sure that your B&N email address is the same as your Adobe ID email address. 

The Cloud

File hosting services, often called "cloud computing", are an easy way access and share files between devices. There are many free services that are accessible via computers, tablets, and smart phones. Most service providers give a free basic account with limited storage with more available for a monthly fee. Some of the most popular services are outlined below.