Kathy Petlewski presented on strategies for small libraries to implement e-book collections. She discussed challenges such as limited staffing, computers, technical support and hours. E-book circulation is growing rapidly and most libraries now offer them. Staff may resist but all need basic e-reader training. Libraries can get donations, have community groups fund devices, and ask retailers to do demonstrations. Libraries should publicize e-books prominently and provide instruction in various formats including handouts and videos.

1. Kathy Petlewski
Plymouth District Library
mkp@plymouthlibrary.org

2.  This slide presentation may be found on
Slideshare.net after the conference is over.
Follow this URL:
http://www.slideshare.net/kpetlewski/presentations

3.  Limited staffing
 Limited number of computers
 Limited technical support
 Limited hours of operation

4.  Almost 9 out of 10 public libraries now offer e-books
and 35% of those who don’t offer them now, are in
the process of doing so.
 E-book circulation doubled from 2009 to 2010 and
quadrupled from 2010 to 2011.
 Circulation is expected to increase another 67% this
year.
 2012 Survey of E-books in Public Libraries by Library Journal/School Library Journal

5.  Expect some staff members to resist learning
about e-readers.
 Train ALL staff members on at least the
basics of having an e-book collection.
(Patrons assume all library workers are
librarians.)
 Give your staff reasonable goals to reach but
also lay out your expectations for a level of
competency.

6.  Why is it necessary to learn the different e-reader
devices when I love REAL books ??
◦ Public service over personal choice
◦ Keep your patrons coming into the Library
◦ Despite your fondest hopes, e-books are NOT a fad.
 Staff buy-in is the best formula for success, especially
in a small library setting!

7.  It’s difficult for staff to become comfortable helping patrons
if they haven’t used e-readers themselves.
 Don’t think that you need to purchase every device that is
available – 1 Kindle and 1 Nook are a good start!
 Look for re-furbished models at lower
prices or on sale when newer ones are
released. Also check eBay for deals.

8.  Friends of the Library Group
 Local community groups such as
Jaycees, Civitan Club, Rotary etc.
Lion’s Club – Focus on the
low vision benefits with
e-reader use.

9.  Ask your patrons to donate their older devices as they
get new ones for tax write-offs.
 Depending on your library’s finance policies, perhaps
offer a small cash incentive ($25-$50) for staff to
purchase e-readers they would then use in the library
for demonstration purposes.

10.  E-book & e-reader changing so fast that refresher
sessions are necessary. Take advantage of
OverDrive’s free webinars.
 As new e-readers become popular, staff “cheat
sheets” are helpful at service desks.
 Discuss problems and issues at staff meetings –
problem solving as a group helps!

12.  Offer patron instruction in a variety of formats!
◦ Handouts for patrons to take home with them.
◦ Online instructions specific to your own Library.
http://plymouthlibrary.org/index.php/download
◦ Videos on YouTube from live presentations and device-
specific short help tips. http://www.youtube.com/user/pmth17
◦ Slide Presentations on SlideShare.
http://www.slideshare.net/kpetlewski/so-you-got-an-ereader-for-christmas-
now-what

14.  Ask your local Best Buy to do a demonstration
for patrons. (They carry Kindles!)
 Walmart sells iPads and Samsung Galaxy
models.
 Barnes and Noble are happy to bring their
Nooks to your libraries for a program.
 Enlist high school volunteers to do one-on-
one help during specified hours with your
patrons. (NHS students get service credit.)

17. PDF Format
Link to video, slides, or other format.
http://mcls.org/wiki/index.php/MCLS_Digital_Libraries

18.  Publicize the fact that your library offers e-
books for lending.
◦ Have a display area close to the front door of the
library where you offer some sort of handout for
patrons to take with them.
◦ Have clear, prominent links on your web page to
your digital book collection.
 Make sure all staff members have a basic
comfort level with major e-reader brands.

20.  Provide links on your web site to places that provide
free or low-cost e-books.
◦ Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/
“Discover Great E-books from Indie Authors and Publishers”
◦ Google Books – http://books.google.com
In Google Play, you can choose books by price – or free.
◦ ManyBooks – http://manybooks.net
Most of these books are taken from Project Gutenberg, public domain,
or creative commons, but are presented in an appealing format.

21.  Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/

24.  Not every staff member needs to know everything
about every device.
 All staff should have at least held an e-reader and
know the basic downloading procedures.
 Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know how a
particular device works – go to online help with the
patron and find out together.
 Sometimes attitude more than skill is the recipe for
successful patron experiences.

25. Thanks for attending today!