These books provide text, pictures, sound, graphics, maps, and copies of original documents. Users need a CD-ROM drive to access these books. Some notable producers include Broderbund Software Company , The National Geographic Society , The Bravo Books Library and more. Even textbooks are appearing as electronic books, such as The African American Experience . The possibility to create custom books is also present.
Instructors can create their own textbooks from various sources for teaching purposes.
Alongside these electronic and online text developments the idea of a portable book for viewing books and documents has taken shape this year . While SoftBook Press is aiming at professional users, NuvoMedia has partnered with Barnes and Noble and Bertelsmann Publishing to approach the consumer market. Readers can electronically flip through the book. They look like PalmPilots and are the size of a small book or paperback. These e-books are portable and will be used by people on the move.