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How are libraries managing mobile devices for patrons?
Are any circulating Kindles, Nooks, etc. or offering classes to the public for these?
Pam Henley
We've got 6 iPads & 6 Sony readers listed in our catalog like we list our 10 laptops. The Sony readers are loaded with easy readers for our EFL students and the iPads have a set of apps for language comprehension and Internet access (thats the most popular use)
We're not doing classes righ now, though they are in a planning stage.
At Multnomah County Library we are offering classes on the use of e-books and downloadable audiobooks. You will see the current workshops at http://multcolib.org/events/ebook.html. They include one called "Is This Thing On? Get Help with Library2Go" and another called "E-Books and More 101." We also make appointments to help individuals learn to use their Kindles or other e-readers.
We have amassed other resources for patrons about e-books and other digital downloadables here: http://www.multcolib.org/ref/ebooks.html
We do not circulate mobile devices yet, but we are experimenting with iPads (locked with cables to tables in the kids' areas) loaded with selected apps for kids and teens.
We lend out Kindles, Nook Colors, a Nook Touch, a Sony eReader, 3M eReaders, and iPads. We have patrons just come down to the computer lab and make their request for a device. A few times a year we hold open workshops for patrons to come in and ask questions about how to add our eBooks to their devices. I have also created video tutorials and co-created written handouts that we keep at several of our service desks.
The Queens Library (a borough in New York City) is running a pilot where 50 Nooks are available for checkout. This is the first experiment of this nature in NY. The Nooks can be borrowed for 7-21 days and are only available at the main branch.
We are not at this point circulating the devices, but our librarians are trained in the devices and we have demonstration models of the most popular devices at our information desks. Besides being able to ask the librarian on duty for help, our users can also attend bi-monthly classes, pick up a how-to pamphlet, view how-to videos on our website, or drop in to our weekly iTeen sessions (teen volunteers, who are trained by an adult volunteer, give a couple of hours a week to help library users with ANY device: ereader, phone, camera, laptop, etc). We have tried to offer the information through as many avenues as possible.
The greatest challenge is that there are so many devices and they all work a little differently. Over time, different staff members have "specialized" in particular devices, and we often refer questions to each other rather than all trying to be experts. In my personal experience, users have been very patient if I do not have an immediate answer for what they are trying to accomplish and will wait graciously while I research. Sadly, we are spending a lot of time supporting devices for a service (downloadable books) that is awkward to use, expensive, underutilized, and lacking in resources (the whole uncooperative publisher issue).
In Delaware, I know some libraries have been exploring this option, and like others have mentioned, it's mostly been with "filled" readers that have a supply of books from a particular genre or grouping, such as "popular teen fiction".
But as Mary Jo Finch states, the variety of devices and the challenges regarding changes to platforms, reader software, and publisher copyright perceived needs have us scrambling for the most current information in "how to" formats that are easily understandable. This is especially crucial for library staff who do not own or have any experience with these devices. In our state, we have tried to address this with offering a limited number of devices for staff to learn on, and to demonstrate to their customers (through workshops and one-on-ones as time allows). Readers are primarily being used in this capacity.
I do regular webinars on this topic, and have written two different Library Technology Reports through ALA on it (the newest one is out this very month). There are lots of libraries doing this, and what and how they are managed varies.
Some circulate devices without content, relying on the patron to connect it to their personal account and load it up...others circulate loaded with library-purchased content. Still others (MPOW) circulate the devices loaded with Public Domain titles for patrons who want to see what the device is like, often as a trial before buying their own. There are few management tricks for eReaders, but if you are considering circulating iOS devices you really need to take a look at the Apple Configurator as it makes managing iOS devices for your patrons or staff much easier.
Our 4 branch system has 6 Nook Classics, and 2 Kindles (e-ink, not sure the exact version). Originally they checked out for 3 weeks, but we've temporarily reduced the period to 2 weeks due to very high demand. The devices have about a dozen books preloaded. Patrons who check out the Nooks can download books themselves through our OverDrive offerings. This isn't as easily done with the Kindles as the device would have to be re-registered to the patron in question to allow download of Kindle titles from OverDrive.
We also have a few Nooks and Kindles for Staff use, and I know we're getting a Sony eReader as well, though I'm unsure if it's for Staff or Public use.
We've also partnered with Best Buy and they've sent some representatives to do a program where they go over the basics of the different available devices and answer questions for our patrons about their devices. We've generally had Best Buy do an hour presentation, and then had an hour of Q&A w/ Library staff (and to some extent the Best Buy staff) helped patrons get onto OverDrive and download eBooks.
We recently started circulating Nooks. Barnes and Noble has a program specifically designed for schools and libraries to lend Nooks. We purchased 30 Nooks and divided them into different genres, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Mystery, Romance, and Teen. Each Nook is pre-loaded with five books (as the limit per title is six devices per Barnes and Noble requirements). When we announced the program, we check-out all of the Nooks in two days. We chose pre-loaded since we had many patrons coming in wanting to use our Overdrive E-book service, but were completely unfamiliar with the e-reading devices. This helps promote the e-book collection and introduces the public to reading alternatives. We also have a class on e-books that began when we first started the e-books collection.
I have a write-up here: http://gathernodust.blogspot.com/2012/05/future-of-reading-barnes-and-noble-nook.html
and Sacramento's Program information is here: http://www.saclibrary.org/?pageId=1465