Ebooks have two primary formats: PDFs and EPUBs. Knowing the advantages of each format will help streamline your research process and ensure your citations are precise.
Think of a PDF as a digital photocopy of a physical book.
Maintains the original layout
Includes fixed page numbers
Fantastic for referencing specific passages – just like citing a printed book
Rigid layout can be cumbersome on smaller ereader screens, requiring constant zooming
EPUB
EPUBs are the champions of reader comfort.
Flexible layout adjusts to your ereader's screen size, ensuring a pleasant reading experience
Customise fonts, line spacing, and margins for optimal readability
Flexibility can affect page number consistency. Since the text reflows, page numbers might not always match the original book.
Some ePUBs are sent to us without page numbers from the publishers. Students often ask us how they should cite ebooks that don't contain page numbers, find out how on our referencing article here.
Conquering Citations
So, which format suits you? It depends!
Here's your cheat sheet:
For pinpoint accuracy: PDFs are your go-to. Their static layout ensures reliable page numbers.
For reading ease: EPUBs offer a smooth experience, but referencing requires extra caution.
Tricks to navigate EPUB citations:
Look for location numbers or percentages: Some EPUBs display your position within the text using location numbers or percentages. These can be helpful alternatives to page numbers.
Chapter titles as lifesavers: If location data is unavailable, consider mentioning chapter titles or other unique identifiers alongside page numbers. This provides additional context for your citations.
Remember
Always consult your institution's or publication's preferred citation style guide.
When in doubt about EPUB page numbers, chapter titles are your friend.
By understanding these differences, you can leverage the strengths of both PDFs and EPUBs, optimising your research workflow and maintaining clear, accurate citations.
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