Real books vs ebooks

Shanimal · Dec 16, 2017

Actually, my real question is vice versa - when are e-textbooks more advantageous? I typically enjoy having a real book in my hand. I think I learn better by being able to read that way. But I was wondering if certain books might be nice to have on hand for easy reference...

It's all just a matter of preference. Maybe it's a bit old-fashioned of me, but like you I opted to have all textbooks and passed on the e-book options. I think the act of highlighting and handwriting notes in the margins helped me retain information better than if I'd typed up my notes in an e-book. Plus I was able to resell all of my textbooks when I didn't need them anymore. Can't really do that with e-books.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2017

I attended my ADN program before ebooks were a thing (and I had to walk in waist deep snow a mile uphill both ways... sorry, I couldn't resist!)

I agree with Shanimal though, it really is about preference.

I love ebooks for pleasure reading -- actually it's thanks to Audible I have time for pleasure reading! But for in-depth study I like to have a book I can write in and dog-ear. My 15 yr old daughter is a heavy tech user as most teenagers are; her school books are all on her school-issued iPad. However for AP US history, she HAS to read her heavy reading assignments from the physical textbook. She says it's easier than reading off a screen.

For stuff like pharmacology, I tend to utilize the tools my hospital has (Lexicomp and Micromedex), or I will ask the pharmacist. I haven't used a Mosby's type drug book since nursing school in the early 2000s.

Occasionally I will Google something. One example: Le Fort fractures. I had never heard the term until I had a pt with a type III. So obviously wanting to know what part of his face was broken, I Googled it.

How I could see ebooks being a good option is if lugging a bunch of those huge tomes is too difficult.

Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2017

I'm definitely a real book fan. I hate e-books, personally - you can't leaf through them and cross reference in the same way as you can with a real book. Unfortunately with my school, it appears that we have no option but to enroll in the e-book course/program because some of our classwork is done through that same website. The e-books are available to download (and keep "forever) but the rest of the program - such as online quizzes and labs - will expire after a 12-24month period.

If you are a fan of regular books, like me, here's what I am doing, which may or may not interest you...lol.....

I am buying the previous edition of the actual book - waaaay cheaper - which I am happy to write notes in etc because it's so cheap, and I just have to grit my teeth and pay the EXTORTIONATE amount they want for the e-book (that I will likely never use) that will only be used for turning in classwork on occasion.

As an example, I just picked up a copy of the Nursing Diagnosis Handbook by Ackley for less than $4 including shipping. It's edition 9, but it is very close to edition 10.

djksjdalksjf · Dec 18, 2017

If it won't break the bank, REAL BOOKS. Actually, even if it will break the bank.

I went for the free e-book for my chemistry class last term, even though the real book was only $50. My internet went out the week before finals and remained out until like 3 days ago. I had a 94 exam average, but because I couldn't study as much as I would have liked. (I have a little girl so I wasn't allowed in my school library to borrow their wifi).

I got a 76 on my final and got an 89 in the class when I would have likely gotten an A. A real book would have made the difference I think.

Technology fails! Although really having both would be nice :)

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Dec 18, 2017

I like ebooks for the convenience of being able to search through the entire book for a word or topic, when I'm studying or writing a paper. I can get exactly where I need to be in seconds and be able to see extra information on the topic that I otherwise would have missed.

I was always a fan of paper books until I figured this out and it's saved me SO much time. And while I'm still a fan of paper books, and will get a few for school, the majority of my school books will be ebooks.

Polly Peptide, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Dec 19, 2017

I like ebooks for the convenience of being able to search through the entire book for a word or topic, when I'm studying or writing a paper. I can get exactly where I need to be in seconds and be able to see extra information on the topic that I otherwise would have missed.
I was always a fan of paper books until I figured this out and it's saved me SO much time. And while I'm still a fan of paper books, and will get a few for school, the majority of my school books will be ebooks.

This is a GREAT point.

Polly Peptide, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Dec 19, 2017

I still think I prefer real books in general. I am trying Amazon's rental service for this term. We'll see how I like it. May change it up next time.

allnurses Guide · Dec 19, 2017

when my daughter was studying with e-books, she bought an extra e-reader, just the cheap Kindle one from Amazon, so that she could cross reference more easily. You can get a refurbished one for about $45.

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Dec 19, 2017

I still think I prefer real books in general. I am trying Amazon's rental service for this term. We'll see how I like it. May change it up next time.

Check with your school - our book bundles are either the hard copy AND the ebook for free, or just the hard copies.

northmississippi · Dec 19, 2017

I hate ebooks. You can see more information at once with a real book, you can mark on the pages in a real book, people will steal your ipad/laptop but wont steal a nursing book. You get to keep a real book forever. They are just so much easier to use and you dont need electric/batteries to view it.

Rionoir, ADN, RN · Jan 1, 2018

Ebooks all the way. When you are looking for something you can just search for it. You can also make bookmarks and notes and highlight just like a real book. Everyone holds onto the past for no real reason, but you don't gain any benefit turning pages no matter how nostalgic it makes you feel. Not to mention as long as you have your tablet with you, you always have everything you need. I used three pieces of paper this semester not including papers I had to print out.