Library eReader Lending Policies

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Angela Pierpaoli July 2012 Library eReader Lending Policies Overview As reported in the Public Library Data Survey (PLDS), the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library’s circulation of eBooks, downloadable audio books, music, and video increased from 76,225 (FY2010) to 232,122 (FY2011) in just one year. In addition, the BECPL has offered training programs to patrons on how to use various eReaders, has offered eReader open labs to learn how to use Overdrive, and this summer is offering technology “petting zoos” so patrons have a chance to test different eReader models. According to the FY2011 PLDS, approximately 15% of public libraries surveyed in the U.S. and Canada circulate eReaders (3% tablets), and these numbers are only going to increase. In order to learn common eReader lending practices, I evaluated the eReader lending policies of 22 libraries, many similar in size and scope to BECPL. If BECPL considers eReader lending now or in the future, my hope is that this research will serve as a starting point. Please consider the following documents in addition to the below resources: the eBook Reader Policies Spreadsheet, which contains links to policies, FAQs, user agreements, request forms, and other supporting materials; the PLDS FY2011 eReaders and Tablets Spreadsheet, which lists the libraries that circulate this equipment in order of population (most to least); and the Library eReader Lending Policies PowerPoint, which highlights the most common Library practices for eReader lending. Additional Resources Article: "E-Readers Now, E-Readers Forever!." Library Technology Reports 48.3 (2012): 14. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 8 July 2012. Blog: May a Library Loan a Loaded eBook Reader? – LibaryLaw Blog Checklist: Is Your Library Ready for an eReader Lending Program? PowerPoint Presentations: Establishing an eReader Lending Program, Sue Polanka Lending eBook Readers in Libraries, Sue Polanka Studies:

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Overview and additional resouces document.

Transcript of Library eReader Lending Policies

Page 1: Library eReader Lending Policies

Angela Pierpaoli

July 2012

Library eReader Lending Policies

Overview

As reported in the Public Library Data Survey (PLDS), the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library’s circulation of eBooks, downloadable audio books, music, and video increased from 76,225 (FY2010) to 232,122 (FY2011) in just one year. In addition, the BECPL has offered training programs to patrons on how to use various eReaders, has offered eReader open labs to learn how to use Overdrive, and this summer is offering technology “petting zoos” so patrons have a chance to test different eReader models. According to the FY2011 PLDS, approximately 15% of public libraries surveyed in the U.S. and Canada circulate eReaders (3% tablets), and these numbers are only going to increase. In order to learn common eReader lending practices, I evaluated the eReader lending policies of 22 libraries, many similar in size and scope to BECPL. If BECPL considers eReader lending now or in the future, my hope is that this research will serve as a starting point. Please consider the following documents in addition to the below resources: the eBook Reader Policies Spreadsheet, which contains links to policies, FAQs, user agreements, request forms, and other supporting materials; the PLDS FY2011 eReaders and Tablets Spreadsheet, which lists the libraries that circulate this equipment in order of population (most to least); and the Library eReader Lending Policies PowerPoint, which highlights the most common Library practices for eReader lending.

Additional Resources

Article:

"E-Readers Now, E-Readers Forever!." Library Technology Reports 48.3 (2012): 14. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 8 July 2012.

Blog:

May a Library Loan a Loaded eBook Reader? – LibaryLaw Blog

Checklist:

Is Your Library Ready for an eReader Lending Program?

PowerPoint Presentations:

Establishing an eReader Lending Program, Sue Polanka

Lending eBook Readers in Libraries, Sue Polanka

Studies:

Library Journal and School Library Journal Survey of eBook Penetration and Use in U.S. Public Libraries

Pew Internet Libraries, Patrons, and eBooks

Public Library Data Survey FY 2011

Webinars:

Developing and Maintaining E-Reader Policies and Procedures for Libraries