E-readers and Libraries

Running Head: E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 1

E-readers and libraries

17:610:550

Beth Bouwman

Professor Joe Sanchez

12/17/09

ebouwman@eden.rutgers.edu

E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 2

Abstract.......................................................................................................................................3
Overview of topic.......................................................................................................................4
Description of e-readers............................................................................................................4
E-readers in libraries today......................................................................................................6
• What types of libraries use e-readers..............................................................7
• What kind of e-readers are used......................................................................7
• How and why libraries acquire e-readers.......................................................8
• How libraries chose titles..................................................................................9
• Guidelines for borrowing.................................................................................10
• Reaction to e-reader borrowing programs.....................................................12
• Legal issues........................................................................................................12
Conclusions.................................................................................................................................13
References...................................................................................................................................14


Abstract

This paper discusses e-readers and the differences and similarities between the most popular

three types: the Amazon Kindle, the Sony Reader, and the Barnes & Noble Nook. As these

devices gain popularity, many public, academic, and school libraries have added them to their

collections. As recent additions to the catalog, these devices also pose both new problems and

new opportunities. Beyond deciding whether or not to carry them, libraries must consider

whether or not the price is a deterrent, what titles to download, and who should be allowed to

borrow the devices and for how long. There are also possible legal issues in lending out these

new commercial gadgets. This paper explores all of these issues and discusses how different

libraries have created different strategies for dealing with them. Finally, this paper also

considers the future of e-readers and whether or not libraries should or will continue to offer

them to their patrons.


Overview of topic

E-readers are devices that allow users to read digitized books without a computer.

Because they store books in their memory, not paper, they can hold hundreds (or thousands,

depending on the model) of books while still being lightweight and portable. E-readers have

recently gained popularity, putting libraries on notice. How does an institution accustomed to

lending physical books deal with a public that is beginning to gravitate away from physical

books and towards e-readers? As e-readers show no sign of fading away, this is a pressing issue

that should be dealt with. I chose this topic specifically because of the topicality of the issue and

the potential libraries have to increase their relevancy by embracing these devices.

Description of e-readers


Although e-readers are not a new technology, they have only recently become popular.

Today, there are three major e-readers available: the Kindle, the Sony Reader, and the recently-

released Nook. Currently, the Kindle is the most popular. Visually, all of the flagship models of

these readers seem fairly similar (particularly as their

marketing departments

all tend to favor the

same “e-reader being

held by disembodied

hands” photograph

style). All three e-

readers are of a similar

size and have a main screen of e-paper surrounded by a

plastic bezel. Page turn buttons are on the sides (both

sides for the Kindle and Nook; right only for the Sony Reader Pocket Edition). The Kindle has a

small physical keyboard, and the Nook has a small color LCD touch screen under the e-paper,

but it is still difficult to distinguish these devices from each other if you squint. Pricing is also

similar. The newest versions of the Kindle are $259 for the 6’’ screen and $489 for a larger 9.7”

DX version (Amazon Kindle). Sony’s mainstream Pocket Edition sells for $199, its Touch

Edition costs $299, and its 7’’ Reader Daily Edition (meant to compete with the Kindle DX) is

$499 (All Reader Digital Books). The Barnes and Noble Nook has only one version currently,

which it is selling for $259, exactly the price of the 6’’ Kindle (Nook, eBook reader, eReader).


version currently, which it is selling for $259, exactly the price of the 6’’ Kindle (Nook, eBook

reader, eReader).

Though these e-readers do not differ substantially in looks, they do have varying features. The

Nook stands out from the other e-readers with its replaceable

battery, SD slot (allowing users to store myriad more books), and

novel feature allowing users to share books with other users for

short periods of time (Griffey). Though the Kindle offers none

of these features, it has its own perks. For example, its new text-

to-speech program allows users to hear any publication (that the

publisher has

allowed) to

be read

aloud in a passable robotic voice

(Amazon Kindle). Both the

Kindle and the Nook have the advantages of large book,

newspaper, and magazine selections through the Amazon and

Barnes & Noble online stores, respectively. Sony Readers may

not be backed by a bookselling giant, but they, too, have their

benefits. Sony has a partnership with Google Books, giving

users “access to over a million free public domain titles” (All reader digital books). They also

accept many more file formats than other e-readers, including Word files, Adobe digital editions,

and the ePub/ACS4 format (All reader digital books). This allows the Sony Reader to download

e-books from libraries, thus greatly extending its usability and affordability. Libraries that


already provide e-book downloads can provide Sony Readers without worrying about paying

extra for e-reader content. Unlike the Nook and the Kindle, however, most Sony Readers cannot

wirelessly download books. Only the expensive, recently released Sony Reader Daily Edition

has this option. Other versions must rely on computer downloads. Sony Readers also have SD

slots, like the Nook (All reader digital books).

E-readers in libraries today

Though unheard of a few years ago, libraries are capitalizing on this new technology to

offer more services to their users. “The Sparta Library likes to be on the technological cutting

edge, and our patrons like us to be there too,” says the assistant director of a library offering e-

readers (Diane Lapsley, personal communication, November 2, 2009). Offering e-readers for

checkout, however, creates new problems for libraries. Issues such as whether or not it is

appropriate to offer an e-reader, what type(s) of e-readers to acquire, how to pay for these e-

readers, how to pick titles, what borrowing procedures should be, and possible legal problems

are all pressing concerns. Despite these setbacks, many libraries have met these issues and

formed their own methods to solve them.

What types of libraries use e-readers

Although lending e-readers is still uncommon, the libraries that are doing so

represent many types of libraries. Public libraries such as the Sparta Public

Library in New Jersey, school libraries like Madison High School in

South Dakota, and academic libraries like North Carolina State

University all has e-reader lending programs (Libraries lending out

Kindles). The Cushing Academy (a private boarding high school with

plenty of funding) has not just offered e-readers as a supplement to


their collection, but actually replaced most of it with 65 Kindles (Toppo). Though elementary

and middle schools may not want to risk their children damaging expensive equipment, libraries

dealing with teenagers and adults may find lending e-readers an exciting and intriguing option.

What kinds of e-readers are used?

Most libraries lending e-readers lend the Amazon Kindle. According to Diane Lapsley,

the assistant director of the Sparta Library, her library chose the Kindle because they “we felt

that with the downloading capabilities it would be much easier to use, and that turned out to be

true” (personal communication, November 2, 2009). Mary White, the director of the Howe

Public Library, said that she chose the Kindle because “at the time that was one of the best

options out there” (personal communication, November 2, 2009). White was open, however, to

other options that might be released in the future. The Kindle’s enormous library, easy wireless

downloading, and considerable commercial success likely have also contributed to its popularity

in libraries.

The Kindle is not, however, the only e-reader currently in library circulation. Many

libraries instead lend out the Sony Reader, such as the Broward County Library in Florida

(Broward County commission libraries division). Some libraries even lend out both Sony

Readers and Kindles (Libraries lending out Kindles). The Kindle, however, is vastly more

popular and the Nook has yet to appear in collections (possibly because Barnes & Noble only has

a limited supply and is shipping htem out slowly). Part of the Kindle’s success in libraries may

be because it has been out longer than some other readers. As the Nook matures and gains

popularity, it may begin to replace or supplement the Kindle at certain libraries. Mary White, for

example, is interested in possibly adding one to her collection (personal communication,


November 2, 2009). As Sony produces new models, such as the recently release Sony Reader

Daily Edition, its e-readers may also begin to appear in greater numbers.

How and why libraries acquire e-readers

All e-readers are expensive. Add in the cost of downloading books to the device, and

lending out even one e-reader can be prohibitively expensive. This has not stopped libraries

from starting lending programs, however. Many have found creative solutions to this quagmire.

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 Department 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 (Kindles at Mead

Library). The Sparta

Library used their gift fund to purchase their Kindles (Diane Lapsley, personal communication,

November 2, 2009). Other libraries justify the cost of the hardware by the fact that the books

themselves tend to be cheaper. “New Kindles run from $200 to $500, but [Cushing Academy’s


headmaster] says he can purchase many e-titles much more cheaply than traditional books. Often

he pays just $5 apiece, so for the price of a $30 hardback, he now orders six e-books” (Toppo).

Beyond price, however, is the question over why libraries should lend e-readers. For the

Cushing Academy, adding Kindles to their library was a way to appeal to their tech-savvy

students and to prepare for them for the digital future (Toppo). Cushing’s headmaster also

believes that digital access to library works is the only way to save the future of libraries from

being obscure and obsolete (Toppo). Brigham Young University started its Kindle program in

order to provide faculty with titles they normally would have to order through interlibrary loan.

By buying and downloading these titles onto Kindles, faculty was able to access the publications

they wanted in minutes, not days (Haddock). Other libraries choose e-readers simply to engage

their patrons and to allow them to sample new technology.

How libraries chose titles


There is no set formula for choosing e-books to download, or how to organize these

downloads. Universities and high school libraries may choose e-reader titles that fit in with

academic curriculum, or faculty interest. The Howe Public Library considers its title selection

process “very casual” and puts the same several titles on each of its Kindles (May White,

personal communication, November 2, 2009). The Sparta Public Library allows its patrons to

chose and download titles onto their Kindles. Each patron can download one e-book for no

charge, though they have to pay for any additional downloads. According to Diane Lapsley, this

leads to “a really patron-driven

collection” that benefits everyone

who borrows a Kindle (personal

communication, November 2,

2009). It also allows the library to

sidestep the issue of what titles to

pick and how to organize them.

Most libraries, however, rely on

librarians to chose titles and only

lend e-readers with download capabilities turned off. Some libraries,

such as the Bowdoin College library, put all available titles from each e-

reader type on all the e-readers of that type that they lend (Kindle Titles). Other libraries

organize titles by different subjects. The Weyenberg Library, for example, has a Kindle for

fiction, a Kindle for nonfiction, and a “reader’s sample” Kindle (Weyenberg Library now offers

3 Kindles). The River Forest Public Library in Illinois also organizes titles by subject, but goes

further to include such specialized e-readers as “the Popular Fiction Kindle, the Popular Non-


Fiction Kindle, the Mystery and Suspense Kindle, the Leadership Non-Fiction Kindle, and the

History Non-Fiction Kindle” (Kindle).

Guidelines for borrowing

Borrowing a Kindle or a Sony reader tends to be more involved than borrowing a book.

Most libraries add extra restrictions on to borrowing these devices. For example, many libraries,

such as the Howe Library, require patrons be at least 18 years old (personal communication,

November 2, 2009). Libraries often limit the period of time the e-readers can be borrowed, such

as the one week limit at the

Gardner –Harvey Library at

the Miami University

Middletown campus

(Burke). Libraries like the

Howe Library also require

users to sign a special

agreement acknowledging

financial responsibility for

any damages or loss to the e-reader (personal communication, November 2,

2009). The Sparta Public Library also requires patrons to pay for damages,

but the assistant director notes that they have “never experienced any losses or damage (I know!

We can't believe it either!)” (Diane Lapsley, personal communication, November 2, 2009). The

Mead Library also has security measures in place, requiring an ID in addition to a library card in

order to take out a Kindle (Kindles at Mead Library). Late fees are high, at the rate of five

dollars for every hour the library is open (Kindles at Mead Library). Some libraries also have at


least one device that can only be used within the library, such as the River Forest Public Library

(Kindles).

Reaction to e-reader borrowing programs

The response to these programs has been astounding. At the Sparta Public Library, for

example, a waiting list of 20 or more patrons is not unusual (Diane Lapsley, personal

communication, November 2, 2009). Offering e-readers may bring new users into the library

and excited patrons who have not used the library recently. Patrons enjoy on “the technological

cutting edge” (Diane Lapsley, personal communication, November 2, 2009). The Howe Library

notes that its patrons enjoy being able to play with the new technology and have not minded the

relatively low number of titles (only 14) or restrictions on borrowing (Mary White, personal

communication, November 2, 2009).

Legal issues

Even after a library has decided to buy an e-reader, found money to pay for it, bought

titles, and worked out borrowing terms, its problems may not yet be over. Though Sony seems

to have no problem with libraries lending out its products (as evidenced by their previously-

mentioned gift to Penn State), Amazon seems ambivalent about the process. Their terms of

service are vague and may preclude libraries lending the device. The Kindle TOS has shut at

least one program down: Brigham Young University suspended lending Kindles to faculty last

June because they could not get permission from Amazon in writing (Haddock). Amazon has

been inconsistent in deciding this issue. According to an article in Library Journal, one Amazon

spokesman declared library borrowing against the TOS, while another Amazon representative

cleared the Howe Library to lend Kindles (Oder). Most libraries have had difficulty, however,

even getting hold of anyone at Amazon to talk to. According to Mary White, every time she


calls Amazon she “merely gets a recorded message” (personal communication, November 2,

2009). Though this lack of communication is worrying, there is no history, of Amazon taking

any action against libraries. As lending programs began over a year ago, it is increasingly

unlikely that Amazon will take action in the future.

Conclusions

At this point in time, it is difficult to accurately guess the future of e-readers. The

technology is fairly new and no library has had a program for more than a couple years. It is

likely, however, that e-books and e-readers will continue to exist, and continue to be popular. If

libraries are to continue to appeal to an increasingly technology-savvy public, they will need to

add new technologies such as e-readers to their collections. It is unlikely, however, that e-

readers will ever completely supplant books. Even Cushing Academy, the school that is

replacing most of its collection with Kindles, still has some printed books and other materials

that they do plan on discarding (Oder). Though it is impossible to tell for sure, the future will

likely include both books, e-readers, and e-books downloaded onto computers and mobile

phones.


References

(n.d.). All Reader Digital Books. Retrieved from http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/

servlet/CategoryDisplay?

catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644523779&N=4

294954529

(2007, January 10). Broward County commission libraries division announces

new Sony Readers now available at Broward County library. Retrieved from

http://www.browardlibrary.org/web/PR/11007_sonyreader.pdf

Burke, J. (2009, September 4). The Kindle is here! Message posted to

http://ghlibrarynews.blogspot.com/

Griffey, J. (2009, October 21). Barnes & Noble’s Nook steps into the ring with Kindle.

Message posted to http://www.alatechsource.org/blog

Haddock, M. (2009, June 20). BYU suspends Kindle program over legal concerns. Deseret

News. Retrieved from http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705310939/BYU-suspends-

Kindle-program-over-legal-concerns.html

(n.d.). Kindles. Retrieved from http://www.rflib.org/books-and-media/kindles

(n.d.). Kindles at Mead Library. Retrieved from

http://www.meadpubliclibrary.org/books/kindle

(n.d.). Kindle Titles. Retrieved from http://library.bowdoin.edu/ebooks/kindle-titles.shtml

(n.d.). Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation).

Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-

Generation/dp/B0015T963C/ref=dp_ob_title_def


(n.d.). Libraries and English Department Partner in Exploration of Digital Readers. Retrieved

from http://alumni.libraries.psu.edu/libtodaySony.html

(n.d) Nook, eBook reader, eReader. Retrieved from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/

(2009, June 16). Libraries lending out Kindle. Retrieved from

http://ireaderreview.com/2009/06/16/libraries-lending-kindle/

Oder, N. (2009, April 12). Mixed answers to “Is it OK for a library to lend a Kindle? Library

Journal. Retrieved from http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705310939/BYU-

suspends-Kindle-program-over-legal-concerns.html

Toppo, G. School chooses Kindle; are libraries for the history 'books'? USA Today. Retrieved

from http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-10-26-kindle-school-library_N.htm

(n.d.). Weyenberg Library now offers 3 Kindles. Retrieved from

http://www.flwlib.org/news.cfm?id=132

E-readers and Libraries

More Related Content

What's hot

Similar to E-readers and Libraries

Recently uploaded

E-readers and Libraries