iPads in Library Programming: Practical Strategies for Public Librarians

Public Library Association ConferenceGettysburg, PA

2012

Joel NicholsTechmobile ManagerFree Library of Philadelphianicholsj@freelibrary.org

Scope

• Reasons to consider iPads or other tablets• Drawbacks• Program plans for:

• Young children, • School age, • Teen, and• Senior audiences

• App Selection

Why iPads?

Flexibility.

Easy to use

Multitouch

Intuitive

Physical Manipulation of Digital Worlds

They are books!

Cost

iPad $499

iPod Touch $299

iOs and Hardware Integration

• Seamless photo/video formats

• Apps that use acelerometer, both cameras

• Any app from the store will run predictably

Popularity

34 million iPads sold (Aug 2012)

Named Top Gadget of the Year by Endgadget, Time, others

Name recognition, high interest

Limitations

• No Flash (as in Adobe Flash)

• Websites can be frustrating

• Reliant on robust wi-fi in many cases

• Evil Apple Empire

Face Game

Built-in Sample

Classroom Visit

The Moon

Graphing Pollution

Video 101

Action Figure Party

Crafter’s Digital Portfolio

Virtual Museum Visits

Tips and Best Practices• Use iTunes to manage the devices• Use one iTunes account to manage your branch iPads. Pay for

an app once and use it on all your devices. • Use security settings to disable the app store, and to disable

the ability to delete or download apps during programs. SettingsGeneralAboutRestrictions.

• Avoid putting your own personal accounts on these apps: mail, Facebook, twitter, etc.

• Be flexible. Let patrons request different apps and try and test them out. See what works, and don’t be afraid to let these go wild a bit, in how you, other staff or patrons might want to use them.

App Selection Tips