Tech Gadgets and Classics

The Rochester Public Library has an inventive use for the Kindle: the librarian loads it up with classics (free from Project Gutenberg and other sources). Handy substitute for an interlibrary loan and saves shelf space for books which may not circulate as much. Libraries will still need to purchase new translations or remarkable editions, depending on demand.

Several librarians have passed along the news that eReaders sit on the shelf once people have tested them and made a decision about whether to purchase. The classics solution gets a little more mileage and perhaps encourages readers to try a device. Great for lesser known Conrad, Bronte, Austen and L. Frank Baum. (Yes, many of the Oz books are at Project Gutenberg.)

Do add cataloging to the library database for every title on the eReader.

Library Page for eAudio and eBooks

Seen in a recent library newsletter: the link to a page with information for library users on eAudiobooks and eBooks. Check out Brooks Memorial Library’s link for inspiration.

Advice for Loaning E-Book Readers

E-Book Readers are increasing in popularity at libraries.  Here is some advice and policies from libraries in Vermont and New Hampshire. Warning: this information may be outdated as soon as it is published.

“1. Remember you CANNOT download ebooks to a Kindle.
2. I have bought a Nook to show people and they may try it out in the library, but unless you have a large budget, I don’t think lending this piece of equipment is wise.  You really can’t limit who you lend it to.  Remember: If you can’t afford to give it, you can’t afford to lend it.” -Gail from Dorset Public Library

The Howe Library in Hanover, NH has been loaning e-readers for a couple of years, and here is their feedback:
“We don’t have a written policy per se, but patrons who check out our Kindles must be at least 18 years old.  Kindles circulate for two weeks and do not renew.  They come pre-loaded with a variety of books (you can see the list here), and patrons are not allowed to download additional content.  While checking out a Kindle, we have the patron sign a form that indicates acceptance of the conditions and states that they will not leave the Kindle unattended in a public place and will be responsible for the entire replacement cost of the Kindle ($360) plus a packaging fee ($40) and a processing fee ($15) should the device be damaged or lost.”

The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum also requires patrons to sign a form before they are allowed to check out a Kindle:

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The Barnet Public Library also has a form which outlines the responsibilities of both the patron and librarian and must be signed by both:

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Ilsley offers new devices

New devices to try…
Try a Kindle, iPad, Nook, an MP3player, and an iPod Nano. Ask at the adult loan desk for availability.

David Clark of the Ilsley Public Library in Middlebury writes: Everything points to the greater acceptance of ebooks, in spite of the adamant protests of some of our longtime readers.

How we’ll manage is yet to be determined.

What we are doing is giving our residents a chance to try some of the new mobile devices. We lend a Kindle, MP3 player and two Nanos for 3 weeks, and a Nook for 1 week. An iPad is available in the library.

We have purchased e-books and downloaded free titles for the Kindle, Nook, and iPad. The first 10 borrowers of the Kindle got to select a title for us to purchase. You can imagine what a variety of titles we have!

Who knows where this will all lead. We’re looking into an iPhone app for our catalog as other libraries around the country have added to their “avenues of connectedness.”