Ebook readers are very easy to use in general. Turn it on or wake it up and you are reading the book where you left off in most cases.
You must select the book if you want to start a new one, and the books must be put on the device. And of course they can malfunction (like most things electronic). But overall it is ridiculously easy.
On a computer or tablet you must start the device, select the program or app and in general they are harder on the eyes. And generally speaking they are more cumbersome. Worth it to some who web surf, play games, email etc. But I suspect that is not the case. Also most ereaders will play MP3s (some need external speakers) and are not much more expensive than a quality MP3 player. Sometimes less.
You (Carnyx) mentioned in an earlier post that you would be probably be doing the purchasing/obtaining of ebooks. If you haven't tried it already I would suggest you give it a shot. You can get free books from MR, libraries, project Gutenberg, Amazon and other sources. I don't think you will find it daunting, but best to know what you are looking at before committing. If the task is not too daunting and you do decide to do this then 3G
is not as important.
BTW I looked and all I could find in the way of ereader lending was the Oxford University library. I also looked up various agencies such as the arthritis society with no luck.
From the amount of time and attention to detail you have put into this enquiry, you should perhaps talk to various societies about implementing a program to provide these services (with you as the director of course
)
Helen