On Reading, DRM, and Ebook Readers

I've recently attended a couple of sessions at VALA 2012 and there were plenty of discussions surrounding the growth of ebook collection and use in libraries across the country. And I personally think that the main issue is that of access.

I couldn't agree more with Joe Wilkert for calling to move for a unified ebook format and an end to DRM. Librarians have been advocating for this for years. From a personal and professional point of view, proprietary ebook software and DRM only serve the pockets of publishers and manufacturers. I am always for freedom of choice and Kindle and its ilk deprives me of that.


However, non-proprietary ebook readers like tablets and non-DRM ebook readers pose a different set of issues all together. Joe mentioned in his article about using different apps for different formats. Since I'm not such a great app fan, I only have Stanza and Good Reader on my iPhone which serves my purpose but there are more apps out there. Then there's the various platforms ebook suppliers and publishers use that complicate matters further. Again, it has to do with access.

I also have this Laser Ebook EB101 which is a disappointment really as it falls short of what it claims it can do. I can't even begin to write about its shortcomings as there are plenty short of saying it was a complete waste of money. 

These drive home the point that there is plenty of room for ebook publishers to do right by us, the consumers, and make access simpler. Or easier.

Free education anyone?

An article from PC Mag lists 10 Excellent, Free Online Education Resources.

There's no doubt the web is a great source of free information but knowing that there are institutions offering free education online is simply astounding! I've enrolled in a few online courses myself and they didn't come cheap.

And having known what these sites offer, it would be a great loss for people who come across these sites not to avail of what's on offer. I myself have signed up for Code Year and bookmarked W3Schools.

I've been viewing TED for a while and they've got excellent videos that are very educational and inspiring.

I'll have a closer look at MIT's OpenCoursewareProgram as well as the University of the People, which offers free, yes free, tuition fee. But conditions apply of course.

Of course, there's iTunes U which is of course accessible via iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. Then there's Peer to Peer University, which is a collaborative effort of volunteers. Ivy-league institutions also have Academic Earth, which I will be exploring later.

Grade school and high school students and teachers don't miss out on free resources. There's Khan Academy and there's CK-12 a collection of text books.

So what are you waiting for?

Google's Internet Safety Campaign

Google's recently launched Internet safety campaign is long overdue but better late than never.

It's a one-stop-site that brings together tips on online safety from malware that can harm your devices to protecting one's online identity. It also includes info on data management. I especially find the jargon busters very helpful.

Please help spread the site. It's a definite must-read for all.