E-book simply explained
Imagine you could carry an entire library in your pocket - that's basically an e-book. An e-book, short for "electronic book", is a digital version of a book that can be read on different devices such as e-book readers, tablets or smartphones. It's like a chameleon that adapts to the size of your screen, so you can read anywhere, anytime, without having to carry a heavy stack of books around with you. Whether on the train, in the waiting room or comfortably on the sofa - your e-book is always just a click away!
Background information
E-books represent a significant evolution in the reading and distribution of literature. They were first introduced in 1988 and have continued to develop ever since. E-books offer numerous advantages over traditional books: they are immediately available, space-saving and often cheaper. They also enable functions such as adjusting the font size, built-in dictionaries and bookmarking.
The technology behind e-books is mainly based on formats such as EPUB, which allow flexible adaptation to different screen sizes (reflowable content). This is in contrast to PDF formats, which were originally used for e-books but offer a fixed page view. E-books have also revolutionized the book market by enabling new distribution models such as eBooks on demand and self-publishing, allowing authors to publish their works directly.
The acceptance of e-books varies around the world. In some regions, such as the USA, they have gained a significant market share, while in other countries, such as Germany, they are being accepted more slowly. This is partly due to the strong attachment to physical books and the slower uptake of e-readers. Nevertheless, the market for e-books is growing steadily, driven by technological advances and changing reading habits.
Technological basics and formats
E-books have evolved significantly thanks to advanced technologies that enable a convenient and flexible reading experience. The most commonly used format for e-books is EPUB (Electronic Publication), which is characterized by its adaptability to different screen sizes and resolutions. This contrasts with PDF (Portable Document Format), which was originally used for e-books but offers a fixed page view, making it difficult to read on smaller screens. EPUB is based on standards such as XHTML and CSS, which makes it possible to adapt texts dynamically to the size and orientation of the screen. This flexibility makes EPUB particularly suitable for mobile devices.
In addition to EPUB and PDF, there are also other formats such as Mobipocket and Amazon's Kindle Format (AZW), which were developed specifically for certain e-readers. These formats differ in terms of compatibility, functionality and DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection. DRM is a technology that prevents the unauthorized copying and distribution of digital content, which is often used for e-books. The choice of format has a direct impact on the user experience, as it determines the readability, accessibility and portability of e-books.
Legal aspects and copyright
The legal status of e-books is complex and differs from traditional books. When purchasing an e-book, the user does not usually acquire a physical copy, but a right of use. These rights of use are often protected by strict DRM measures that restrict the copying, sharing or reselling of the e-book. These restrictions have led to debates and legal disputes, particularly with regard to the resale of used e-books.
In some court decisions, such as the ruling of the European Court of Justice on second-hand software, it was established that manufacturers cannot prohibit the resale of their products. This raises questions about the extent to which such decisions apply to e-books. Libraries also face challenges as the restricted usage rights complicate the lending of e-books. These legal uncertainties affect both consumers and providers of e-books and are an important aspect in the further development of the e-book market.