E readers research

E‐READERS & PUBLIC LIBRARIES

OVERVIEW

E‐readers are hand held devices used for the purpose of reading electronic books
(e‐books/periodicals), without a computer. E‐readers have grown in popularity
since their inception. Although it is not necessary to use a reader application or
device in order to read an e‐book (most e‐books can be read as PDF files), they
are popular because they enable options which are similar to a paper book such
as bookmarking pages, making notes, highlighting passages and saving selected
text and of course being able to travel with many books in tow, without the
bulkiness that several books would bring.

Many e‐readers have features such as back lit screens, the ability to change the
font size and built in dictionaries. The E‐readers typically weigh from
approximately 20 ounces to 3 or 4 pounds. They can store massive amounts of
pages of text and graphics.

MOST POPULAR E‐READERS:

The Kindle (Amazon) and the Nook (Barnes & Noble).

Other e‐readers include: Sony Reader (Sony), Kobo reader (Borders), Literati (by
Sharper Image) and the Pandigital Novel.

Public Libraries are realizing that it is necessary to embrace the technology
offered by e‐readers as they grow in popularity, covering virtually all age groups,
due to their portability and ease of use. All of the e‐readers listed above are
compatible with the Overdrive system currently used by Public Library systems.
However, some of them are selected more frequently for use by Public Library
systems than others. The purpose of this report is to:

• Determine which library systems currently have e‐readers available
and which do not.
• Features of the E‐readers.
• Information regarding processes used by other Library systems in
order to loan these e‐readers to the customers.
• Determine how these library systems secure the e‐readers in order
to prevent loss and damage in a public setting.
• Determine how e‐readers are displayed on the shelf at the branch
level in these library systems.
• Research ties/cables/connections that are available for e‐readers to
be utilized by the customers.
• Compare devices.

Listed below are some of the Library systems that currently loan e‐readers to the
public, and the type, and in some cases the quantity of each e‐readers that they
loan. Also listed are their best practices in lending these e‐readers to the public
including: the display, check out, return, compatibility, if they use download
stations, cords, and individual library satisfaction with each e‐reader from the
perspective of the three libraries listed below.

MUNCIE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Muncie Public Library system in Muncie, Indiana, began circulating e‐readers
in 2009. The e‐readers contain bestselling fiction and nonfiction titles. Customers
can request electronic titles using a form on their website. They currently
own/loan the following e‐readers, to the public:

• Kindle 3 (four units)
• Kindle 2 (one unit )
• Kindle DX ( one unit ‐ in library use only)
• Nook (five units ‐ soon to be circulated)
• Pan Digital Novel color tablet (one unit ‐ not being circulated at this time)
• Sony Touch (one unit)
• Sony Pocket (one unit)
• Sony Reader Daily Edition (one unit‐ soon to be circulated)

• Kobo (one unit ‐ soon to be circulated)

The Muncie Library system participates in an arrangement with the Indiana Digital
Media Consortium where all member libraries buy titles and share them. In
addition to the consortium they also purchase their own title for their customers.

Display of e‐readers:

• E‐readers are not kept on the shelf. They are kept behind the counter at the
Circulation desk.

Checking out of e‐readers:

• E‐readers are loaned in small notepad computer bags/cases
• When a customer requests an e‐reader, the staff inspects the bag
containing the e‐reader to ensure that the e‐reader is in working order and
that the bands are visible. The bands attached indicate: the replacement
costs, due date, inventory checklist, instructions to avoid extreme
temperatures, instructions not to alter e‐reader content.
• Staff will personally hand over the e‐reader to the customer after
explaining how to use and handle the device, since they are secured at all
times
• 2 week loan period
• Adults only
• Renewals available if no one is waiting
• $1/Day fine for overdue e‐readers
• Assigned staff will update the e‐readers every couple of weeks using a hold
card

Return of the e‐readers:

• Cannot be returned in the book drop; must be returned to a Circulation
staff
• Staff checks to see if the e‐reader is operational
• That all items are in the bag

• Check to see if E‐books are all there
• Collect comment card
• E‐reader and bag contents are placed into a secure location to be charged

Compatibility:

• All e‐readers obtained are compatible with Overdrive except for Kindle
• Kindles are not compatible with Overdrive, but are loaned to the public so
that they can have access to the device perhaps with an eye to purchasing
one.

Download stations:

• Muncie Public Library has 13 computers with Overdrive loaded on them for
customers to download e‐books and music on their own. Staff is trained to
assist, but they are for customers to use on their own.

Cords:

Customers have to bring their own cords. Staff did not want to have to
worry about misplaced cords.

RIVER FOREST PUBLIC LIBRARY

River Forest Public Library system in River Forest, IL,  started loaning e‐readers to
the public approximately 2 years ago.  They currently loan pre‐loaded Kindles to
the public with selected digital content. This library system has 5 Kindles available
for loan to the public and 1 that is not currently available for check out. The Kindle
was chosen as the e‐reader of choice to loan, even though it’s not supported by
the Overdrive system, because of its popularity with the public. River Forest
Library has chosen to have a separate Kindle for each of the 5 genres listed.

They have one Kindle for History (with 8 preloaded books), one Kindle for Non‐
Fiction (pre‐loaded with 12 books), one Kindle for Leadership e‐books (pre‐loaded
with 15 e‐books), one Kindle for Fiction (pre‐loaded with 10 e‐books), and one
Kindle for Mystery/ Suspense (pre‐loaded with 15 books). The content on these
Kindles is fixed. Additionally, customers will not the ability to purchase content

from the Kindle store on Amazon through the library Kindles. The library does,
however, periodically update the content on these Kindles.

River Forest also loans out the Sony PRS300 e‐reader (2 available) and would
definitely seek to acquire others.


Circulation desk.


• E‐readers are loaned in large zip‐Lock type clear bags
that the instructional labels are visible. The labels attached indicate: the
replacement costs, due date, inventory checklist, instructions regarding
fines and fees.
• Staff will turn the e‐reader on, and show the customer the basics of
navigation. The e‐readers are secured at all times.
• There is a 3 week loan period
• Adults only
• Renewals are available only if no one is waiting

Return of the e‐readers:

staff member
• Staff checks to see if the e‐reader is operational and not damaged
• That all items are in the bag
• Check to see if E‐books are all there
• Collect comment card
• E‐reader and bag contents are placed into a secure location to be charged

Compatibility:

• All e‐readers obtained are compatible with Overdrive, except for Kindles
that they can have access to the device due to its popularity, to provide a
service to the public, and perhaps give them an opportunity to get familiar
with the device, with an eye to purchasing one.

Download stations:

• River Forest Public Library has computers with Overdrive loaded on them
for customers to download e‐books, and music on their own. Staff is
trained to assist, but they are designated for customers to use on their
own.

Cords:

• Customers have to bring their own cords for their devices.

SULLIVAN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Sullivan Public Library system in Blountville, Tennessee, loans 12 Nook e‐
readers at 5 locations, to the public. Some branches are assigned more e‐readers
for loan to the public than others.  The determination of e‐readers assignment is
based on the audio book circulation statistics used by the Library.

The Sullivan Public Library prefers to use the Nook over the Sony e‐reader, due to
the replaceable battery found in the Nook, as opposed to the rechargeable
battery in the Sony e‐reader. Amy, at the Sullivan County Library, noted that the
rechargeable battery is not capable of being recharged after a certain amount of
charges.


Circulation desk.


• E‐readers are loaned in clear zip lock type bags
• Each customer has the opportunity to choose up to 15 books for their e‐
reader.
• The e‐reader can be checked out for 28 days. If the loan period expires
before the e‐reader loan period expires, the customer has the option of
returning to the library to have more books added to their e‐reader.
that the instructions are visible on the bag. The instructions for the public
indicate: the replacement costs, due date, inventory checklist, etc.
• Staff will personally hand over the e‐reader to the customer after
explaining how to use and handle the devices, since they are secured at all
times. Signing the Terms of loan document by the customer indicates that
the customer agrees with the terms of loan.
This is only done once, and the signature is placed in their file. This prevents
the customer from having to sign every time that they need to check out an
e‐reader. The replacement costs are listed in the agreement that goes into
the file.
• 2 week loan period
• Adults only
• Renewals available if no one is waiting
• Assigned staff will update the e‐readers every couple of weeks using a hold
card

Return of e‐readers:

staff member.
• Staff checks to see if the e‐reader is operational and that all items are in the
bag. They also check to see if the e‐books are all there.

• Staff collects the comment card.
• E‐reader and bag contents are returned to a secure location to be charged.

Compatibility:

• All e‐readers available are compatible with Overdrive except for the Kindle.
that they can have access to the device, perhaps with an eye to purchasing
one.

Download stations:

Sullivan County Public Library currently does not have download stations
for the customers to download e‐books. Sullivan County Public Library staff
downloads e‐books to the e‐readers that patrons own. Patrons can check
out e‐books from R.E.A.D.S. (Regional e‐book and Audio book Download
System). This is done by staff on staff computers. There are three main
computers used for downloading at the main location, and the branches
use one or two. Sullivan County Public Library puts the e‐books on the e‐
readers that they have allocated for check‐out. If the customers have their
own e‐readers, they can download the e‐books on their own computers,
and transfer them to the e‐readers.

Cords: Please see above

LIBRARY SYSTEMS THAT DO NOT LOAN E‐READERS TO THE PUBLIC

Most Library systems do not loan e‐readers to the public. This includes both large
and small libraries. Interestingly enough, it appears that smaller library systems
are willing to embark upon offering an e‐reader loan program to the public, as
opposed to the larger library systems.

Many of the libraries that do not currently loan e‐readers to the public will offer
to loan e‐books to the public. For example, some library systems have download
stations which have Overdrive installed, giving the customer an opportunity to

download the e‐book at their branch location. The public can use the library
systems’ assigned computer(s) (download stations) to download e‐books to
personal e‐readers.

Other Library systems do not offer the service of download stations at their
locations at all. They offer instead, the ability for customers to sign up for
Overdrive using their library card, and they can then download the library e‐books
from home.

Some library systems are parts of Consortiums that share ordered material with
each other. Sometimes there might be only one Library system using Overdrive
within the consortium, and the others do not. For example, the Kings County
Public Library is part of the Consortium of the San Joaquin Valley library system,
and only the Fresno County Library system uses Overdrive. Fresno County Library
started loaning e‐books via Overdrive, very recently.

Below are two tables that indicate the Library systems that either do not currently
loan e‐readers (table # 1), or that do loan e‐readers (table # 2).

SAMPLING OF LIBRARY SYSTEMS THAT DO NOT

CURRENTLY LOAN E‐READERS TO CUSTOMERS

  Table: 1

LIBRARY SYSTEMS LOCATION OF DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD
LIBRARY STATION(S) FROM HOME
SYSTEM AT LIBRARY ONLY
Miami Dade Public Library System Miami, Florida No Yes

New York Public Library System New York, NY No Yes

Seattle Public Library System   Seattle, WA None for e‐ Yes
books,
Audio only
Boston Public Library System Boston, MA No Yes

Los Angeles Public Library System Los Angeles, CA No yes

Public Library of Cincinnati System Cincinnati, OH No Yes

Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library Charlotte, NC No Yes
System
Loudoun County Public Library System Loudoun, VA No Yes

Kings County Public Library System Kings County, CA No No

Fresno County Public Library System Fresno, CA No Yes

Source: Telephone interview with various library systems

SAMPLING OF LIBRARY SYSTEMS THAT CURRENTLY

LOAN E‐READERS TO CUSTOMERS

           Table: 2

LIBRARY SYSTEM LOCATION TYPE OF
OF DEVICE
LIBRARY LOANED
SYSTEM
Muncie Public Library System Muncie, IN Kindle,Sony,
Nook,Pan‐
Digital,
Kobo
San Diego Public Library System Sony
Reader

Broward County Public Library System Fort
Lauderdale, Sony,Kindle,
FL Nook
Fairfield Public Library System Fairfield, CT

River Forest Public Library System   Chicago, IL Sony, Kindle

Sullivan County Library Blountville, Nook only
TN

Source: Telephone interview with various library systems

More Popular E‐readers vs. The Less Popular E‐readers

The reasons why one e‐reader is chosen over another will vary, however a few
consistent reasons that seem to come up are; the recognition factor (branding),
ease of use, compatibility with Library software, knowledge of product. Table: 3
(below), is a basic comparison of the e‐readers, such as price, weight, screen size,
dictionary and other capabilities.

COMPARISON INFORMATION AND CHART FOR E‐READERS BETWEEN LIBRARIES

Comparison of devices: Muncie

The most popular e‐reader devices are the Sony, Kindle and Nook devices.
These are liked basically for their ease of use and reliability. The less
popular devices such as the Kobo, Pan Digital and Literati, are either
infrequently used or not used at all.  Kobo e‐reader, for example, was seen
as being the lightest (in weight), a good reader but very basic. It was
considered slow but simple to use.
The Pan Digital Novel needs a stylus to make selections on the screen. It is
pressure sensitive as opposed to the heat sensitive touch screens like an I‐
Pad or I‐Pod Touch. Muncie Library is not circulating the Pan Digital Novel
tablet at this time, and is still trying to figure out what to do with these
tablets. This tablet was seen as heavy, and was considered slow. The touch
screen could be better. This tablet will have a reflective glare if being read
in the sun.
The Literati e‐reader has not been selected for use by this library system.
Sources: Jennifer Booth, Muncie Public Library, Muncie IN

Comparison of devices: River Forest

These are liked basically for their ease of use and reliability. The Kobo e‐
reader, Literati e‐reader, or the Pan Digital Novel e‐reader has not been
selected for use/loan to customers by this library system.
One interesting thing to note, according to Ted Bodewes, Head of
Circulation, there are not many repeat borrowers of the e‐readers.

Comparison of devices: Sullivan Public Library

These are liked basically for their ease of use and reliability. In the Sullivan
Library system, the Nook is the e‐reader of choice. They do not loan
Kindles. The less popular devices such as the Kobo, Pan Digital and Literati
are either infrequently used or not used at all.  Kobo e‐reader, for example,
was seen as being the lightest (in weight), a good reader but very basic. It
was considered slow but simple to use.
The Pan Digital Novel needs a stylus to make selections on the screen. It is
pressure sensitive as opposed to the heat sensitive touch screens like an I‐
Pad or I‐Pod Touch. Muncie Library is not circulating the Pan Digital Novel
tablet at this time, and is still trying to figure out what to do with these
tablets. This tablet was seen as heavy, and was considered slow. The touch
screen could be better. This tablet will have a reflective glare if being read
in the sun.
Sources: Blaise Dierks, Head of Adult Service, and Ted Bodewes, head of Circulation

Comparison of Devices
Table: 3

E‐Reader Comparison Kobo Apple Pan‐ Digital
Nook Nook Color Literati
Brands & Models (Borders) I‐Pad Novel Color

Release Date Nov‐09 Nov‐10 Nov‐10 Apr‐10 Jun‐10 Oct‐10
$149 wi‐fi
only; $$199 $499 ‐ wi‐fi
Price for 3G & wi‐fi   $249.00   $119.99   only $199.00   $159
6" display; 7" display; 6" display: 9.7" display; 7" display;
Screen Size, Weight 11.6oz (wi‐fi) 15.8oz 7.8oz 24oz 19oz 6"; 14.4oz

Resolution 800x600px 1024x600px 800x600px 800x600px 800x600px 800x480px
Yes; connect Yes; 3G data
for free at Wi‐Fi only; plan thru
Wi‐Fi only Wi‐Fi
B&N & ATT Connect for AT&T or
Wi‐Fi / 3G hotspots free at B&N Wi‐Fi only Verizon
Yes; no flash
Yes No Yes
Web Browser Yes, Beta support
Only on
yes No Yes Yes No
Touch Screen bottom screen
Color‐ 16‐level E‐ Color
Color
Display 16‐level E‐Ink reduced glare Ink Glossy Color Glossy

Screen Rotation Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Notes/Highlighting Yes Yes No Yes Yes Notes

Dictionary Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Can be
Text to Speech No No No added No No

Adjust Text Size Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
10 days with 8hrs 14 days; 6 hrs when 6 hrs when
10 hrs
wireless off depending on 10,000 page reading reading
depending
Battery Life use turns on use


2GB; up to 8GB; up to 1GB; up to 16GB & up 1GB 512MB; up
1,500 books 6,000 1000 to 5,000
RAM e‐books e‐books e‐books
Micro SD‐ up microSD up SD Memory No SD, MMc up SD; card up
to 16GB to 32GB card up to to 32GB to 8GB
Expansion Slots 32 GB
PDF Reader Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
ePub, PDB,
e‐Pub, PDB, PDF, ePub, ePub, many ePub, PDF, e‐Pub,
PDF, Barnes
PDF, Barnes & Overdrive, more Overdrive, PDF,TxT,
Noble,
& Noble, Borders formats Barnes & Overdrive
magazines,
magazines, through Noble
newspapers
newspapers, apps,
Book Selection Overdrive
Overdrive Overdrive
Images, music
Images, Images, Music, Color
music, video, video, music images, images
Excel, video
Additional Media Powerpoint,
Formats Word, text
Games, Lend Supports Bluetooth Between a Between a night mode,
Me video, media sync with smartphone netbook & backlit
Technology, player, other & laptop laptop screen
Reade for Free Pandora, devices
Miscellaneous at B & N games
Sources: Muncie Public Library, http://pitch.pe/187406

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What types of software do other libraries install in their download stations
for Public use?
A. Most libraries that offer e‐books for download at their locations use
Overdrive. Overdrive is a digital distribution company that provides e‐books
to all libraries. Overdrive makes audio‐books and e‐books available to
schools and public libraries in the United States and Canada. The Amazon
Kindle does not support Overdrive files, and the Apple I‐Pad can handle the
EPub files after, from Overdrive.

Q. Is there a charge for the public to download e‐books from a download
station at a public library?
A. No. There is not a charge for this service

Q. Why do some libraries only loan Kindle e‐readers to the public, even though
it does not support Overdrive?
A. One reason is its enormous library, easy wireless downloading, and
considerable commercial successes likely have also contributed to its
popularity in libraries. The reasoning is, that even though Kindles are not
supported, the library serving as a community center almost, gives the
public an opportunity to use one of the most, if not the most popular e‐
reading devices on the market today.

Q. What other e‐readers are being loaned to the public by library systems?
A. Library systems are loaning out Nooks, Sony e‐readers, and some Kobo e‐
readers. So far it appears that the smaller library systems are the ones that
loan out the most e‐readers to the public.

Q. How do some libraries handle the expense of purchasing e‐readers to loan
to the public?

A. Many have found creative solutions to this problem. Some libraries use
donated e‐readers such as the libraries at Penn State. Eager for the
opportunity to study how e‐readers can be used in an academic setting,
Sony donated 100 e‐readers to the University in exchange for the
University’s cooperation in the study (Libraries and English Partner).
The Mead Public Library in Wisconsin bought its five Kindles “with funds
from the William R. Werk Estate, designated for materials that assist the
visually impaired”, emphasizing the Kindle’s capability to read certain
publications out loud.
The Sparta Library used their gift fund to purchase their Kindles

Q. What is Freegal Music?
A. Freegal Music is an online database that provides access to songs from
Sony Music. The music files are DRM‐free and do not expire, and are
compatible with PCs, Macs, IPods, I‐Pads and other MP‐3 compatible
devices.
Freegal Music contains over 500,000 songs from Sony Music artists with
diverse genres from current hits to classic songs to jazz standards. Sony
includes more than 50 labels, with new music added to the collection daily.
Libraries must pre‐pay for a minimum number of downloads from Freegal,
and each library user will be limited to, at most, 20 downloads per week.
Increased use by libraries can be controlled by libraries by limiting the
number of downloads in a week or month to ensure wider access, and
library card holders can also reserve downloads. Some library systems such
as the Seattle Public Library provide access to Freegal made possible by the
Seattle Public Library Foundation. (3)

Q. How does Freegal Music work?
A. Library users have a weekly download limit. There is no digital rights
management (DRM). Some libraries can, as a matter of policy, require
patrons to delete the content, but Freegal, does not require it.  Libraries are
not charged a platform fee or a fee to access the catalog. They are only
charged for the use, or per download.

Libraries have to make an annual commitment based on the size of the
library ranging from approximately $1,500 to $20, 000. (7)

Customers are able to keep track of their downloads in the upper right
corner of the site. Every song has a sample clip that customers can listen to
before being downloaded. Each library may have their overall limit also. (4)
All music is free and you get to keep it forever – no due dates. All songs
work with an MP3 player, IPod, IPhone etc. Library users have up to 3
downloads per week. (5)

Q. Can the I‐Pad be used to download and read e‐Pub books from the Library?

A. Overdrive has just recently released an app for I‐Pad (Overdrive Media
Console app for I‐Pad), which gives users wireless access to their library’s
EPub books and MP3 audio book catalog without a PC. Users can use the
apps “Get Books” feature to find their library. They can then browse for
titles, use their library card to check out, and download directly to the I‐
Pad. This new app joins the previously released apps for the Android and I‐
Phone.

Overdrive’s app for IOS devices was updated to enable new features
including landscape and portrait orientation, support for hyperlinks, and an
updated interface with a lending countdown calendar. (6)

Q. What is the Bluefire app and Is Bluefire necessary to install if the Overdrive
app for I‐Pad is available?

A. Bluefire has become a very popular app and was the first e‐reader to allow
Adobe DRM EPub files to be added. It’s the ideal app for users wanting to
read library books on the I‐Pad. Digital Editions still needs to be opened in
order to download and save the‐book. The e‐book has to be downloaded
from I‐Tunes in order to be transferred to the Bluefire app.(6)

Sources:

(1)
http://www.slideshare.net/bethbouwman/ereaders‐and‐libraries

(2)
http://www.suite101.com/content/how‐to‐read‐library‐ebooks‐sony‐
reader‐and‐barnes‐and‐noble‐nook

(3)
http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=about_news_detail&cid=1294180
560583

(4) http://www.freegalmusic.com/users/snlogin

(5)
http://www.baldwinlib.org/freegal

(6)
(7) http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6723898.html

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