Tablets and Laptops in the Public Library?

[Tagliaferro, Jessica]

Dear Mike,

I can share that our community college library would love to do this as well. However, our IT director indicates that there are a host of security issues with tablets - both in regard to the users' downloads and with them "walking away." He also told me that our county guidelines for technology purchases demands a life cycle of 5 years for computers; tablets, according to him, only have a life cycle of 2-3 years.

We are also contending with the problem that most academic publishers are still producing titles in flat formats (i.e. PDFs). Therefore, we do not have the demand that publics have for Kindle or Nook readable eBooks. I am sure that is soon to change.

I understand that the trend, at least in academic institutions, is BYOT (Bring Your Own Tech). Even so, our library has budgeted to purchase a few iPads for lending next year.


Jessica Tagliaferro
Electronic Resources Librarian
Westchester Community College

From: Web technologies in libraries [mailto:WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU] On Behalf Of Murphy, Michael P.
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2012 5:16 PM
To: WEB4LIB at LISTSERV.ND.EDU
Subject: [WEB4LIB] Tablets and Laptops in the Public Library?

Greetings all,

I work as a Technology Services librarian at a small-to-medium sized public library, and my director is seeking to 'modernize' the library by employing the use of tablets and laptops as part of the PAC technologies. However, I have significant reservations about security and safety when it comes to using these devices in the public library, and my feelings are that purchasing newer desktops would be much more beneficial and practical. I know that each library is different and what works for some might not work for others, but can anyone share their experiences with using laptops and tablets in their particular library? Has it worked, or not? Maybe you have feelings similar to me and avoided it?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

- Mike
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2012-12-13

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2012-12-14
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