Cambria Press eReader Program (CAMBER) Technology

CAMBER was designed from the ground up to offer unprecedented value and convenience for librarians while delivering state-of-the-art research tools for scholars. ¹ CAMBER integrates two key technologies in one integrated user interface. These two technologies are XML (extensible markup language) and PDF (portable document format).

XML allows for any content to be distributed via the web in a fully searchable, indexed, and hyperlinked manner. CAMBER uses advanced XML database systems to distribute content via a new language called XQUERY. The XML/XQUERY standards were recently adopted and recognized by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) as open source, compliant standards. Distribution of content using XML is perfect for research since the content maintains its native, textual format. Therefore, it is simple to cut and paste, annotate, search, bookmark, email, print, and index.

However, XML is not without disadvantages. The primary disadvantage of XML is that to access content it must be formatting using html type documents and viewed using a web browser. Therefore, the researcher typically needs internet access.

To overcome this disadvantage, CAMBER also includes a PDF version of each book. PDF means that any book can be downloaded and read on any computer system, or even electronic device. PDF is preferred when the researcher desires to print large sections, or read the document offline using a laptop computer or other device. PDF is also print friendly and normally used to create hardcopy on demand. Some researchers are more comfortable dealing with paper and PDF allows this.

Cambria Press is proud to be one of the only academic publishers in the world that provides both XML and PDF formats in one user interface. The CAMBER user interface also allows for highly productive research by including a full suite of research tools including unlimited print, email, bookmarks, pdf downloads and notes via a personalized web portal. CAMBER also permits personalization of a variety of features including font face, font size, line height, line spacing, letter spacing, and menu options.

With CAMBER, librarians are assured of outstanding value with 24/7 access online or offline. The rich and convenient CAMBER features means that researchers and students will extensively use and benefit from the groundbreaking content offered by Cambria Press.

¹ Dawson, A., & Wallis, J. (2005). Twenty issues in ebook creation. Against the Grain, 17 (2), 18-24.