Visit http://www.techsoup.org for donated technology for nonprofits and libraries! Are you starting to check out devices like e-readers, tablets, and laptops? Making devices available for public use may seem challenging and overwhelming. However, the right combination of technology, organization, and policies can help your library create a popular checkout program that your patrons will love. View these webinar slides to learn what one library is doing to expand checkout to cover a wide range of devices. Stephen Tafoya (Garfield County Library District, CO) will share his experience with device checkout, including Kindles, iPads, and Google Chromebooks. He will share best practices, tips, and advice to help you get started (or to improve your existing device checkout program).

1. Managing Mobile:
Library Device Checkout Made Easy
September 16, 2015

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7. September 16, 2015
Managing Mobile:
Library Device Checkout Made Easy

8. Stephen Tafoya
Garfield County Libraries
Rifle, CO
Presenters
Chat: Becky Wiegand
Twitter: Ginny Mies
Crystal Schimpf
TechSoup for Libraries
San Francisco, CA
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs

9. Does your library currently check out devices?
•Yes
•Not yet, but we plan to soon
•No
•I’m not sure
Poll

10. What types of devices are you interested in
checking out at your library?
•eReaders
•Tablets
•Laptops
•Gaming Devices
•MP3 Players
•Other (share in chat)
Poll

11. • Device Checkout:
–Kindles
–iPads
–Chromebooks
• Tips, Examples, and Resources
• Q&A
Today’s Topics
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs

12. Managing Devices: Kindles
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs
Stephen Tafoya
Technology Instructor
Garfield County Public Library District
http://www.gcpld.org
stafoya@gcpld.org
@storystephens

13. • 56,000+ Residents
• 6 locations: Parachute to Carbondale
• 28,000 Active Memberships (50,000 issued)
• 2014 Circulation: 738,990
• Summer Reading: 6139 registered (9154 prog.)
Garfield County Libraries

14. Circulating Kindle Program

15. • The year was 2012
• eContent Services Launch
• eReader Popularity Growth
• Friends of the Library were Interested
Why Kindles?

16. • Base Kindle Model & Paperwhites
• Personalized Padded Carry Bag
• Device Case
• Short User Guide
• Cable (for charging)
Kindles – the Kit

18. Friends of the Library
(experiment)
eRate
(purpose - all branches have them)
Kindles – Funding

19. • Budget: Existing book budget or Friends
• Genres  General
– Do what works for you!
• Frequent the FREE Section
– But do your research to weed out poor titles
• Best Sellers, Requests, Companion Titles
– Friend’s Book Club, CMC Common Reader, etc.
Collection Development

20. • Library Controls the Amazon Account
• Purchasing (Amazon One-Click)
– Credit Card: Add -> Purchase -> Remove
– Amazon Gift Cards: Choose amount and mass
purchase
– Everyone on same page for purchasing procedure
• Tested OverDrive feature (no takers)
– Patrons pleased with what we provided!
Kindles - Security
https://pixabay.com/en/padlock-security-lock-metal-new-308589/

21. • No Patron Content
– Unless… Social Media log-in
• Whispercast Alternative
– https://whispercast.amazon.com/
Kindles - Privacy

22. • Lucky Day!
– First Come/First Serve
– 3 Weeks Period
– No Renewals
– GCPLD adult patrons only
Kindles - Policy

23. • Count Use
• Management of Title Distribution
• Tech Hygiene (have a tech cleaning kit)
• Damage
• Keeping Updated Collection List
– Binder, website list, catalog, other?
Kindles - Challenges

24. “What I love about our circulating Kindle
collection is how quickly I can meet our patron's
needs. No long hold lists! No waiting!”
- Janine Rose, Rifle Branch Manager
Feedback

25. • The panic stricken high school student who waited until the
last minute to read the required classic
• The person heading out for an extended vacation who will not
have room in their suitcase for the entire “Outlander” Series
• The timid and curious patron who is wondering “what is all the
e-reader business about.”
“I call our circulating Kindles the “gateway drug” for those who
are not sure if e-readers are for them.”
- Janine Rose, Rifle Branch Manager
Who Benefits?

26. Q & A
Please type your questions in the chat window.
Send twitter questions to @techsoup4libs
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs
Stephen Tafoya
Technology Instructor
Garfield County Public Library District
http://www.gcpld.org
stafoya@gcpld.org
@storystephens

27. • E-Reader Policies & Procedures - Samples from
Libraries (WebJunction)
• Examples of Libraries that Check Out eReaders
– Hookset (NH) Public Library
– Sunnyvale (CA) Public Library
– Enoch Pratt Free Library (Baltimore, MD)
Resources: eReader Checkout

28. • Access to 5,000+ products
• Discounted prices on iPads, tablets,
laptops, and accessories
• Available through the
TechSoup Product Donation Program
http://www.techsoup.org/get-product-donations
JourneyEd.com

29. • Refurbished computers, laptops, and tablets
from top manufacturers
• 1-3 year warranties included
• Available through the
TechSoup Product Donation Program
http://www.techsoup.org/get-product-donations
Refurbished Computer Initiative

30. Managing Devices:
iPads & Chromebooks
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs
Stephen Tafoya
Technology Instructor
Garfield County Public Library District
http://www.gcpld.org
stafoya@gcpld.org
@storystephens

31. Why iPads & Chromebooks?
• The “it” technologies
• To diversify library technology
• Lower library technology cost
• Meets goals of how people use technology

32. iPads
Expectation: Adults would use them
Reality: Adults checked them out for their children
(Results: Policy change)

33. iPads – Setup
• MacProfessionals.com as Vendor
• Management through Apple Configurator
• Staff Guide and Staff Training
• Marketing of New Technology

35. iPads – Policy
• In-Library Use Only
• Adults with Library Membership in good standing
• Teens Age 11-17 with One-time Parent
Permission
• Two Hour Time Limit per Day

36. Staff Procedure Guide
• Branch Staff empowered for curating their apps
• Mostly Quality FREE apps, but some paid
• iPads look different from Branch to Branch
• Carbondale:
Awesome Early Literacy &
Gaming Collection

37. iPads – Security/Privacy
– Devices won’t sync/wipe
– Errors out the Ear
– Updates Galore
– Apps sometimes won’t open
– Locked Apple ID incident

38. Not as high-interest as iPads, but easier to manage
Chromebooks

39. Chromebooks - Setup
• License Vendor : Newmind Group
http://www.newmindgroup.com
• Many Settings in the Beginning
– But not much oversight needed once set up
• Customization
– Personalized Wallpapers
– Curated Apps (OverDrive, Kindle Cloud, etc)
– Library Internet Policy at Sign-in

40. Chromebooks
Always
Sync & Wipe
Properly!

41. Chromebooks - Goal
• Started with a Few, Goal is to get More
– Diversify Technology
– Save Tech Costs for Library
– Meets Needs of How Most People Use Technology

42. Funding
• Technology Budget
• Paid App Content  Branch Budget
• Two - Four Year Technology Replacement Plan
– Shorter because these devices are short lived
– Newer technology = more secure? (End of Life
policy)

43. Challenges
• All Branches are Not Created Equal
– Staff buy-in for implementation / promotion
– Community use varies by branch
• Keeping Up on the Updates
• Making it Simple but Secure
– Device Dispensers?
– Cloud Management Options?
– Tech Support Consortiums?
• Classic Tech Missing (CD Drive, Microsoft)

44. Other Uses
• Cheaper Minecraft Alternative
• QR Code Dust Bowl Tour
• All Kids Gaming Programs
• In a Pinch Camera Option
• Mobile Coding/Robotics (Scratch, Finch)
• Kiosk Mode (web form, survey)
• Staff Use for Work

45. Feedback
“Our Patrons love using iPads and
Chromebooks instead of PACs. It gives them a
chance to have privacy in a study room or be
mobile and move around the library.”
- Andie Scott, Foundation Coordinator

46. Feedback
“They (patrons) are very surprised that we
have iPads for checkout… and a bit nervous…
it is nice that we are keeping up on
technology!”
- Melissa Colasinski, Library Assistant

47. Feedback
“I’ve noticed patrons who are uncomfortable
using a computer or have a limited knowledge in
the world of technology can manipulate a
Chromebook or iPad with ease! These patrons
leave with a sense of accomplishment!”
- Brenda Kingen, Library Assistant

48. Dream Big with a Budget
– Other Options (Android tablets, Nooks, other)
– Tech Insurance (ie. Apple Care)
– Replacement Costs (device, parts, staff time)
– Accessories (cases, headphones, cleaning kit)
– Long-term 2-4 Year Replacement Plan
Next Steps

49. Next Steps
“Tech Temperature”
– Innovators/Early Adopters (or) Laggards/Refusal?
– What are your goals with these devices?
– Tech it to the Limit? (or) Lead gently into the future?

50. Next Steps
Tech Foundation
- Collaborate with Many Minds
- Simple AND Solid Plan
- Staff and patron “as user”
- Refine over time (always changing)
- Keep Everyone in the Loop
- Staff with adequate lead time
- Public with intentional marketing
- Anyone financially vested in your cause (always!)

51. Q & A
Please type your questions in the chat window.
Send twitter questions to @techsoup4libs
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs
Stephen Tafoya
Technology Instructor
Garfield County Public Library District
http://www.gcpld.org
stafoya@gcpld.org
@storystephens

52. • Laptop Checkout Programs (TechSoup)
• Examples of Libraries that Check Out Laptops/Tablets
– Brooklyn Public Library
– San Mateo County Library
– Newport Beach Public Library
Resources: Tablet & Laptop Checkout

53. • Online reading education program
• For children age 3-13
• TechSoup product donation
• 10 license subscription packs
Upcoming TechSoup Webinars
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Wednesday, 10/14, 11AM-12PM PST
To register: http://www.techsoup.org/community/events-webinars

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