This presentation provides an overview of how one academic library launch an e-reader checkout program.

1. May 13, 2014
Launching an E-Reader
Checkout Program
Vincci Kwong and Susan Thomas
Indiana University South Bend
2014 Indiana Library Federation District 1 Conference

2. Why e-readers?
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference
• Offer an opportunity
to try out new tech
• Encourage reading
via leisure/recreational
materials

3. Combatting Digital Divide
• Students use of portable digital reading
devices low
• Want to provide them with an opportunity
to explore new technology
• Want to also encourage reading!
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

4. Getting fund?
LSTA grant
• Total cost: $8812
• LSTA fund: 5764
• Schurz Library fund: $3048
http://www.in.gov/library/lsta.htm
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

5. Equipment
• E-reader
• Device protector
• Screen protector
• Cleaning pad
• Carrying bag and tag
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

6. Ebook purchase
• Amazon
• ebrary
• Eboschost ebook collection
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

7. Ebook selection
• Goodreads College Book Lists
• http://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/college
• NYT Fiction Best Sellers
• http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/combined-print-
fiction/list.html
• Amazon Kindle eBooks Best Sellers
• http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Kindle-Store-
eBooks/zgbs/digital-
text/154606011/ref=zg_bs_unv_kstore_2_6487838011_2
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

8. Staff collaboration
• Business operations manager
• Public relations
• Circulation
• Cataloging
• Collection development
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

9. Policy
• Drop off at circulation desk, no book drop
• Loan length: 2 weeks
• Late fee: $10/day
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

10. Staff training
• Check in and check out procedure
• Collecting surveys
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

11. PR: Check out an e-reader!
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

12. User guide
http://libguides.iusb.edu/ereader
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

13. Promoting the program
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

14. May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

15. Reasons for checking out e-reader
• Just to try out the ipad
• Wanted to try each kind
• It was the last e-reader available
• The other types were all checked out
• To see which ereader I liked the most for apps and reading.
• Looking to buy at semester. Trying different options. Have an older kindle liked it.
• Because I have never used one before
• Wanted to see how one works - I read a lot.
• Have a Nook, lower version, & wanted to compare/contrast.
• To try out prior to purchase
• I heard good things about it and I wanted to try it.
• So that I could see if I'd like to purchase one for myself.
• To compare devices
• To try
• Just wanted to try something different and I brought Kindle eBooks this semester so I
thought the HD would be the most compatible
• To try before possibly buying one
• I needed to supplement my laptop for a few weeks.
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

16. May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

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19. User feedback
• Thank you!
• I checked it out so that I could listen to a book, but I'm not sure if you
can. I really just didn't know how to use it.
• Very nice program!
• Get books available for our own devices, I know you have ebrary but I
could not find guidance to get non fiction or fiction books. Great Program
tho.
• This is really nice. I love it!!! Thanks.
• Add apps?
• It is great to be able to try the different e-readers.
• Thank you for offering this.
• More books especially non-fictions. Thanks!
• I enjoy checking these items out from the IUSB library
• Of the 3 types I tried (Kindle, Nook & Mini ipad), the i-pad was easiest to
use.
• This is a good program/items for the library to provide for checking out.
Thanks!!
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

20. What we learned
• Ordering materials for the devices-internal
accounting
• Involve others early on
• E-reader checkout filled a different need
than anticipated – comparing devices
May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference

21. May 13, 20142014 ILF District 1 Conference
Questions?
Feel free to contact us at
• Vincci Kwong
• Email: vkwong@iusb.edu
• Phone: 574-520-4444
• Susan Thomas
• Email: suethoma@iusb.edu
• Phone: 574-520-5500