The KAIST Library recently added around 500 e-books that are accessible through a smartphone application provided by Korea’s largest bookseller, Kyobo. Available on both Apple’s App Store and the Android Market, the Kyobo eBook application gives its users access to a large selection of books that is just a touch away.

The application itself offers a myriad of Korean digital e-books of all categories, some of which are free of charge and others available for purchase, and the company is currently adding more than 1,000 books to its selection every month.

The process of using the Kyobo eBook application seemed quite complicated when I read the guidelines, but the entire process turned out to be pretty straightforward and it took no longer than ten minutes. First, I downloaded the application through Apple’s App Store, which took about two minutes with a strong Wi-Fi signal. When the application icon first appeared on my phone, I visited the KAIST Library website (http://library.kaist.ac.kr) in order to gain access to the books listed under the KAIST Library. This is a mandatory step for KAIST users in order to sync the school identification to Kyobo’s mobile service.

I followed the directions and logged on to the library homepage using my KAIST student ID and portal password. Selecting the “e-books” link under “e-Resources” led to another website, one that is exclusive for e-books and audio books. I then obtained a mobile ID by converting my KAIST student ID number to another nine-digit number by adding the number 0 at the front.

Through these simple procedures, I found myself borrowing books via the Kyobo application in no time. According to the Kyobo e-book regulations, users can borrow up to five e-books for seven days. Books expire and are automatically returned when they are due, eliminating overdue fees even when you forget to do so yourself – a great advantage with digital books.

The application is one of the most rewarding that I have had on my phone so far. I have already finished around five books in less than two weeks, since I was able to read whenever I had time. Having access to thousands of books in my hands regardless of time and location, I once again experienced wholeheartedly the revolution the 21st century has gone through.

The sales of digital books have been prospering ever since the beginning of the products of e-book pioneers such as Amazon’s Kindle and the Barnes and Noble Nook. The changes that the e-book industry has gone through is mind-boggling and to some, offensive. Nevertheless, it is true that digital books have promoted reading among all age groups with their convenient and inexpensive nature.

Last week on November 22, Kyobo also launched its own 5.7-inch e-reader with mirasol display, with over 90,000 e-books and video lectures as well as social networking services. At the turn of a new year, it is easier than ever to access books whenever and wherever.

Other bookstores in Korea have launched their own applications for smartphones and tablet PCs. Youngpoong Bookstore Co. and Bandi & Luni’s Bookstore have their own applications for easier access to books from any location. For example, Bandi & Luni’s application, Bookself, includes a barcode scanning service so that users can readily search any book at their fingertips. Bookself also provides coupons for book series and a 10% discount for a selection of new releases.

There is a Korean proverb that states “books are food for the mind and soul.” Rather than a hardcover literature or a printed paperback, try downloading a digital version and immerse yourself in the e-book fever. Feed yourself in the season of reading.

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