[Web4lib] Request for info: Libraries that are circulatinge-book readers

Tue Jun 22 10:38:34 EDT 2010

That sounds like a great idea.  My concern about netbooks would be the cost
of maintenance.  A netbook is certainly much more versatile right off the
bat. However, that same versatility means they are much more susceptible to
hacking / misuse / file corruption.  I think you want loaned out devices /
media to be somewhat more self-sustaining and fool-proof.  I don't think I
ever got a call from someone who did not know how to open a book.

Although the vetted clientele at places such as the University of
Virginia might be inclined towards
tom-foolery<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Virginia>, the
fool-proof concern is especially applicable to public libraries.

R. Balliot
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com

On Tue, Jun 22, 2010 at 10:05 AM, Campbell, James (jmc) <jmc at virginia.edu>wrote:

> Well, the time to try is now.  B&N is releasing a new version of the Nook,
> WiFi but no 3G, for $149.
> http://www.mobiletechreview.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=37510
>
> But if you really want to provide home access to information for your
> customers, why not just lend them netbooks? You can get something pretty
> decent for a little over $200 that would meet criteria 1-3 plus your
> customers could actually use it with your "on-line library subscriptions to
> electronic books."  I think it will be a while before ebrary, etc can make
> titles available on dedicated readers.  They'd have to renegotiate a lot of
> deals with publishers for one thing.
>
>      - Jim Campbell
>
>      Digital Access Librarian | Librarian for German
>      University of Virginia Library | Charlottesville, VA 22904-4112
>
>      513 Alderman | campbell at virginia.edu | 434-924-4985
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:
> web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Robert L. Balliot
> Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:03 AM
> To: 'Tim Spalding'; web4lib at webjunction.org
> Subject: Re: [Web4lib] Request for info: Libraries that are
> circulatinge-book readers
>
>
> When the unit price goes down to something like $150, then I think there is
> some real cost/benefit potential. I was not very comfortable with a
> $400-$500 unit cost for new technology.  If you are able to purchase 20
> e-book readers for $3000, you can provide benefits to the public with:
>
> 1. Visual accessibility -  These devices include a voice reader function so
> people with visual problems can receive library materials.
>
> 2. Government document PDF accessibility - A device could include a huge
> amount of local / state / federal information that would be portable.
>
> 3. A demonstration of the ability of the library to accommodate newer
> technology.
>
> 4. Better use/ promotion of on-line library subscriptions to electronic
> books - Electronic books for people without computer access are
> inaccessible
> - it would level the playing field and make the subscriptions more
> valuable.
>
> These are just a few off the top of my head.  But, I could imagine that a
> grant based around number 1 could be devised to bring the local cost to
> zero, with tangible benefits.
>
> It seems that this could be an excellent group project to define the
> cost/benefits to libraries for a nice tightly written $3K grant proposal to
> provide accessibility to library materials.
>
> *************************************************
> Robert L. Balliot
> Skype: RBalliot
> Bristol, Rhode Island
> http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm
> *************************************************
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
> [mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Tim Spalding
> Sent: Monday, June 21, 2010 9:23 PM
> To: web4lib at webjunction.org
> Subject: Re: [Web4lib] Request for info: Libraries that are
> circulatinge-book readers
>
> Loaning out ereaders is a losing game. Real-world books have a
> problem. When you take one out of the library, one is out. But loaning
> out ereaders is far worse. When you take one out of the library, every
> book on the device is out. It's sounds modern, but it's really a big
> step back, like chaining books to their shelves. It's like the
> limitations of the physical world, times 200.
>
> Loaning out ereaders is cute, but not sustainable financially or
> organizationally. The real future is clear. You will pay through the
> nose for a true ebook lending right.
>
> Tim
>
> On Mon, Jun 21, 2010 at 8:56 PM, Robert Balliot <rballiot at gmail.com>
> wrote:
> > The new tablet technology is knocking the price down on the e-book
> readers.
> > It is a great time to wait and see how the price will bottom out:
> >
> >
> http://money.cnn.com/2010/06/21/technology/nook_price_cut/index.htm?hpt=T2
> >
> > R. Balliot
>
>
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