E-readers and Libraries

12/17/09Beth Bouwman

Popular e-readers: Kindle

Popular e-readers: Sony Reader

Popular e-readers: Nook

Public Academic High School

Libraries that lend e-readers

To stay on the cutting edge To engage patrons To allow patrons to try out a new technology

before buying it Save money on new titles

Why libraries lend e-readers

Donations Gift funds Grants Large budgets Justify cost by lower cost of e-books

How libraries pay for e-readers

Allow patrons to download one title of their choosing

Librarians decide, with suggestions from patrons

Titles picked to correspond with curriculum Different e-readers for different subjects

How libraries choose titles

Some e-readers for in library use only Shorter borrowing times than books Higher fines Borrowing agreements Minimum age

Guidelines for borrowing

Postive! No damages (yet) Long waiting

lists

Reaction to e-reader programs

Sony has no problems with library borrowing

Amazon is unclear Unlikely legal action will be taken

Legal Issues

Questions?