Finally the Library will lend E-readers out!!!!!

The Terminator · 03-06-2011, 06:57 PM

The Greater Victoria Public Library will now be lending out a select number of Kobo E-readers, pre-loaded with all the most popular books that the library has to offer including "The Confession" and all of Steig's books. I hope our library will have a few to offer as I don't live in Victoria oh well readers will take over soon enough

pokee · 03-06-2011, 07:05 PM

Hmmmm....I am not sure this is the best idea. The e-ink screens are very fragile. The readers require a certain amount of knowledge to ensure that great care is taken to not damage the screen. Will the library require a deposit in case the Kobo is returned damaged? Do they also lend a usb cable for charging? Will the Kobo need to be re-charged prior to returning? Will the library perform 'maintenance' in-between lending periods to ensure that the Kobo is working properly after the last borrower returned it? What if books are 'accidentially' deleted?

OMG - the list goes on! I would not want to be that library...

The Terminator · 03-06-2011, 11:19 PM

No deposit but when you use your library card to take the Kobo out they will have your address and phone number. If returned damaged you will pay a fine of $167 plus $35 for the case and if you damage the USB the fine is $15. I think but I'm not sure that they have screen protectors. They also have a sheet they give out with every loan on how to use the reader. I know it seems sort of dumb at first but if you think about it they spend quit a bit of money on P-books with the cover saving strips they put on the edges and the spine. A properly taken care of and protected reader could last longer that a P-book because it's pages don't ware down and become bent and need to be replaced,the average life span of a library book is 30-35 lendings which isn't much in perspective. So if the reader lasts for even 40-60 loans it might pay for it's self, because if in those loans the person who borrowed it could read 2-3 books in 21 days would become 80-180 books read. Don't know but maybe this could be good idea, if the library's come out with an E-reader of their own that has a good way to protect the screen this could work, now keep in mind the system isn't perfect yet it takes time to change major things like this and even longer to perfect them.

coinín · 03-06-2011, 11:19 PM

That's not going to last long. People are waaaaay too rough with things that don't belong to them.

ATDrake · 03-06-2011, 11:58 PM

Considering that they'd basically be buying a brand-new Kobo for the library if they damage it, I'd hope people would be slightly more careful. Or maybe they'd just regret it more thoroughly if they did damage it.

Of course the real problem would be getting money from reluctant replacers without resorting to the expense of a collections agency.

One of the library systems in my region has been loaning out Kindles under much the same terms since mid-2010. It seems to be working out for them, though there's an incredibly long hold line-up on the things.

You can currently also try out Kobos and Sonys in-library there and hopefully they start loaning some out, if only for variety's sake.

One of the real benefits I can see to having a bunch of library Kobos even loaded up with just free public domain books is that every book becomes a "large print" book. Great for seniors, especially those who want to read more obscure classics that might not have made it to paper Large Print editions.

CHunter_Author · 03-07-2011, 12:21 AM

How long does the library rent the readers for?

The Terminator · 03-07-2011, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATDrake

Considering that they'd basically be buying a brand-new Kobo for the library if they damage it, I'd hope people would be slightly more careful. Or maybe they'd just regret it more thoroughly if they did damage it.

Of course the real problem would be getting money from reluctant replacers without resorting to the expense of a collections agency.

One of the library systems in my region has been loaning out Kindles under much the same terms since mid-2010. It seems to be working out for them, though there's an incredibly long hold line-up on the things.

You can currently also try out Kobos and Sonys in-library there and hopefully they start loaning some out, if only for variety's sake.

One of the real benefits I can see to having a bunch of library Kobos even loaded up with just free public domain books is that every book becomes a "large print" book. Great for seniors, especially those who want to read more obscure classics that might not have made it to paper Large Print editions.

Not only public domain the ten top loaned ebooks are coming pre-loaded and then you can download books from the library web site or at the library's computer. They are lent out for the same amount of time as p-books 21 days

ATDrake · 03-07-2011, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE TERMINATOR

Not only public domain the ten top loaned ebooks are coming pre-loaded and then you can download books from the library web site or at the library's computer.

User-added books sound like a nice addition, though I guess it would have to be mainly non-DRM stuff so that patrons wouldn't have to deal with "authorization" issues.

I was thinking that if the library had a secondary set of e-readers that just contained public domain and promo freebie giveaways (Baen, etc.), then they might be able to field more e-readers to their patrons if they didn't have to load up each and every one with those top 10 "bestsellers" and their accompanying licenses.

The Terminator · 03-07-2011, 09:03 AM

Well most library's have computers in them so you could use them to load them up.

m_bisson · 03-07-2011, 11:43 AM

If you're driving to the library already, what's the benefit of getting an e-reader?

DixieGal · 03-07-2011, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_bisson

If you're driving to the library already, what's the benefit of getting an e-reader?

Off the top of my head, the opportunity to try it before you buy it, publicity for ebooks, further acclimatizing the reading public to overcoming pbooks, and so on.

Plus, like ATDrake said, adjustable fonts for those of us who dont see so good.

pokee · 03-07-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATDrake

Considering that they'd basically be buying a brand-new Kobo for the library if they damage it, I'd hope people would be slightly more careful. Or maybe they'd just regret it more thoroughly if they did damage it.

Of course the real problem would be getting money from reluctant replacers without resorting to the expense of a collections agency.

One of the library systems in my region has been loaning out Kindles under much the same terms since mid-2010. It seems to be working out for them, though there's an incredibly long hold line-up on the things.

Huh? Why loan out Kindles when Kindles don't support the epub digital library book format?

ATDrake · 03-07-2011, 05:28 PM

Well, you'd have to ask the library that, but a reading device that's pre-loaded with bestselling books is a reading device that's pre-loaded with bestselling books, regardless of what other formats it may or may not take.

pokee · 03-07-2011, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATDrake

Well, you'd have to ask the library that, but a reading device that's pre-loaded with bestselling books is a reading device that's pre-loaded with bestselling books, regardless of what other formats it may or may not take.

Yeah, but I see the underlying idea of lending out e-readers at libraries is to promote the lending of epubs (by having borrowers try out the e-readers that support the format). Lending out the Kindle is just an expensive way of lending out a multitude of printed library books at a time to one borrower.

I am also curious how the libraries get the Kindle pre-loaded with formats they don't normally purchase!!!

All seems rather counterintuitive to me (and very, very expensive!).

ATDrake · 03-07-2011, 11:25 PM

I think they actually just purchase Kindle versions of the books and use that "up to 6 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits" thing that most of the DRM Amazon books allow. So that 9.99 bestseller can go on up to 6 Kindles at a time under optimum conditions, which amortizes the cost fairly nicely. Of course, it'll be loaded up with maybe a dozen other 9.99 titles at least, but I think it mostly works out, considering.

As for lending, it's more about portable readability than any particular format, I would say. The format matters less than the overall reading experience and ePub support is a moot point because the library is not loading these things up from our province-wide e-books library collection.*

Anyway, these things have adjustable font-size and built-in text-to-speech, which seem like they would be great for people with vision difficulties who'd like to read the latest bestsellers without having to wait for the special Large Print edition to be made and bought (if it ever does get so).

Considering that every suburban branch I've ever been in has had a fairly large-ish Large Print section mostly filled with older stuff (lots of Danielle Steel, the occasional classic, Ye Olde Formerly Hot Now Forgotten Bestseller of Yesteryear), I can see how even having a few Kindles/Kobos/Sonys actually works out to being a cheap and cost-effective augmentation of that section without the library having to risk unloved books sticking around as shelf clutter after their popularity period.

* Or at least I certainly hope not because they're just one metropolitan suburban branch and there 4.5 million people throughout the entire province potentially waiting to get their hands on the 5-9 copies the system gets of most of the "bestseller" e-books for regular patron loans (usually 20+ people on hold in the first few months), and they should really be using their own individual resources for their individual e-reader lending programs.

03-06-2011, 06:57 PM	#1
The Terminator Retired Posts: 2,552 Karma: 37638420 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Vancouver Island Canada Device: Kobo Touch, Optimus One (2.3), Nexus 7 (4.2)	Finally the Library will lend E-readers out!!!!! The Greater Victoria Public Library will now be lending out a select number of Kobo E-readers, pre-loaded with all the most popular books that the library has to offer including "The Confession" and all of Steig's books. I hope our library will have a few to offer as I don't live in Victoria oh well readers will take over soon enough

03-06-2011, 11:19 PM	#3
The Terminator Retired Posts: 2,552 Karma: 37638420 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Vancouver Island Canada Device: Kobo Touch, Optimus One (2.3), Nexus 7 (4.2)	No deposit but when you use your library card to take the Kobo out they will have your address and phone number. If returned damaged you will pay a fine of $167 plus $35 for the case and if you damage the USB the fine is $15. I think but I'm not sure that they have screen protectors. They also have a sheet they give out with every loan on how to use the reader. I know it seems sort of dumb at first but if you think about it they spend quit a bit of money on P-books with the cover saving strips they put on the edges and the spine. A properly taken care of and protected reader could last longer that a P-book because it's pages don't ware down and become bent and need to be replaced,the average life span of a library book is 30-35 lendings which isn't much in perspective. So if the reader lasts for even 40-60 loans it might pay for it's self, because if in those loans the person who borrowed it could read 2-3 books in 21 days would become 80-180 books read. Don't know but maybe this could be good idea, if the library's come out with an E-reader of their own that has a good way to protect the screen this could work, now keep in mind the system isn't perfect yet it takes time to change major things like this and even longer to perfect them. Last edited by The Terminator; 03-06-2011 at 11:21 PM.

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03-06-2011, 07:05 PM	#2
pokee Fanatic Posts: 569 Karma: 199759 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Device: Kobo WiFi, Kobo Glo, Kobo Vox, Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Tab2	Hmmmm....I am not sure this is the best idea. The e-ink screens are very fragile. The readers require a certain amount of knowledge to ensure that great care is taken to not damage the screen. Will the library require a deposit in case the Kobo is returned damaged? Do they also lend a usb cable for charging? Will the Kobo need to be re-charged prior to returning? Will the library perform 'maintenance' in-between lending periods to ensure that the Kobo is working properly after the last borrower returned it? What if books are 'accidentially' deleted? OMG - the list goes on! I would not want to be that library...

03-06-2011, 11:19 PM	#4
coinín dust bunny Posts: 158 Karma: 512427 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Toronto Device: Kobo WiFi, Sony PRS-650, BlackBerry PlayBook	That's not going to last long. People are waaaaay too rough with things that don't belong to them.

03-06-2011, 11:58 PM	#5
ATDrake Wizzard Posts: 11,517 Karma: 33048258 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Roundworld Device: Kindle 2 International, Sony PRS-T1, BlackBerry PlayBook, Acer Iconia	Considering that they'd basically be buying a brand-new Kobo for the library if they damage it, I'd hope people would be slightly more careful. Or maybe they'd just regret it more thoroughly if they did damage it. Of course the real problem would be getting money from reluctant replacers without resorting to the expense of a collections agency. One of the library systems in my region has been loaning out Kindles under much the same terms since mid-2010. It seems to be working out for them, though there's an incredibly long hold line-up on the things. You can currently also try out Kobos and Sonys in-library there and hopefully they start loaning some out, if only for variety's sake. One of the real benefits I can see to having a bunch of library Kobos even loaded up with just free public domain books is that every book becomes a "large print" book. Great for seniors, especially those who want to read more obscure classics that might not have made it to paper Large Print editions.

03-07-2011, 12:21 AM	#6
CHunter_Author Zealot Posts: 118 Karma: 503896 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Bronx, NY Device: iPhone	How long does the library rent the readers for?

03-07-2011, 09:03 AM	#9
The Terminator Retired Posts: 2,552 Karma: 37638420 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Vancouver Island Canada Device: Kobo Touch, Optimus One (2.3), Nexus 7 (4.2)	Well most library's have computers in them so you could use them to load them up.

03-07-2011, 11:43 AM	#10
m_bisson Groupie Posts: 170 Karma: 25803 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: kobo touch :)	If you're driving to the library already, what's the benefit of getting an e-reader?

03-07-2011, 05:28 PM	#13
ATDrake Wizzard Posts: 11,517 Karma: 33048258 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Roundworld Device: Kindle 2 International, Sony PRS-T1, BlackBerry PlayBook, Acer Iconia	Well, you'd have to ask the library that, but a reading device that's pre-loaded with bestselling books is a reading device that's pre-loaded with bestselling books, regardless of what other formats it may or may not take.

03-07-2011, 11:25 PM	#15
ATDrake Wizzard Posts: 11,517 Karma: 33048258 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Roundworld Device: Kindle 2 International, Sony PRS-T1, BlackBerry PlayBook, Acer Iconia	I think they actually just purchase Kindle versions of the books and use that "up to 6 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits" thing that most of the DRM Amazon books allow. So that 9.99 bestseller can go on up to 6 Kindles at a time under optimum conditions, which amortizes the cost fairly nicely. Of course, it'll be loaded up with maybe a dozen other 9.99 titles at least, but I think it mostly works out, considering. As for lending, it's more about portable readability than any particular format, I would say. The format matters less than the overall reading experience and ePub support is a moot point because the library is not loading these things up from our province-wide e-books library collection.* Anyway, these things have adjustable font-size and built-in text-to-speech, which seem like they would be great for people with vision difficulties who'd like to read the latest bestsellers without having to wait for the special Large Print edition to be made and bought (if it ever does get so). Considering that every suburban branch I've ever been in has had a fairly large-ish Large Print section mostly filled with older stuff (lots of Danielle Steel, the occasional classic, Ye Olde Formerly Hot Now Forgotten Bestseller of Yesteryear), I can see how even having a few Kindles/Kobos/Sonys actually works out to being a cheap and cost-effective augmentation of that section without the library having to risk unloved books sticking around as shelf clutter after their popularity period. * Or at least I certainly hope not because they're just one metropolitan suburban branch and there 4.5 million people throughout the entire province potentially waiting to get their hands on the 5-9 copies the system gets of most of the "bestseller" e-books for regular patron loans (usually 20+ people on hold in the first few months), and they should really be using their own individual resources for their individual e-reader lending programs.