Reading to the future: Developing best practice lending policies for tablet devices in public libraries Presented by: Kelly Mitchell Image: TeleRead 2013

Reading to the future: Developing best practice lending policies for tablet devices in public libraries

Presented by:Kelly Mitchell

Image: TeleRead 2013

The gathering together and organization of knowledge for the

purpose of safeguarding it and ensuring access is the very spirit of

librarianship

-Savova & Garsia, 2012, p. 205.

Research Purpose and AimsResearch Purpose:Currently, there is limited research availablewhich evaluates tablet lending policiesin public libraries.

This identifies a need for more evaluativeresearch to be conducted in this area.

Research Aims:To begin filling this knowledge gap, by providing a list of best practice guidelines for developing tablet lending policies in public libraries based on evaluative research.

Background Image: Latest Laptop Wallpaper, 2013

Image: Nine Dot Nine Mediaworx, 2014

Background Literature• The advancement of mobile technologies

is changing the way we learn and accessinformation.

• This presents librarians with the challenge to design services which both facilitate this change and continue to support the mission, values and goals of the library.

Source: Savova & Garsia, 2012; Duncan, 2011.



Background Literature

• The introduction of the iPad in 2010 has seen tablet devicesbecome a popular choice for accessing digital content. (American Library Association, 2014; Duncan, 2011; Griffey, 2012) .

• Although other tablet devices existed prior to the introduction of the iPad, “…the combination of hardware and software cracked some code for commercial success that had been dormant previously” (Griffey, 2012, p.7).



How can tablets benefit public libraries?• Tablets show great potential for facilitating content delivery, which

supports the pedagogical ideology of mobile learning. (Farley, Murphy & Rees, 2013; Savova & Garsia, 2012).

• Connectivity ‘on the go’ for more efficient locating and checking out of materials (American Library Association, 2014).

• Introduces new services to the learningspace: technology training, research coursesand interactive reading sessions(American Library Association, 2014).



Proceed with caution!

As with any new technology or philosophy, librarians should always exercise careful and reasoned judgement to ensure that:

– Tablets fulfil an identified need– Tablets provide value for investment

both in the short and long term.

Source: Savova & Garsia, 2012; Cottrell, 2013; Duncan, 2011; American Libraries Association, 2014.


Research Analysis• Evaluate a sample of tablet lending policies from domestic and

international public libraries.

• Compare the sample results to available research on tablet lending policies.

• Construct best practice guidelines fordeveloping tablet lending policies.

• Share these guidelines for the use inpublic libraries.


Sampling Method• Utilised non-probability purposive and judgemental sampling

methods.

• These methods were chosen to ensure the sample population is serving the aims and purpose of the research (Explorable, 2009).

• Although these types of sampling methods can be subject to bias and error they are; “the only viable sampling technique in obtaining information from a very specific group of people” (Explorable, 2009).


Sample Size• A blend of 30 existing tablet lending policies from domestic and

international public libraries were selected.

• Ensures that the sample size is large enough to uncover any important phenomena to support the aims of the research (Mason, 2010 and Griffin and Hauser, 1993).

Background Image: Latest Laptop Wallpaper, 2013Image: Razorfish Search, 2014

Sample CriteriaData has been categorised under the following loan policy criteria as suggested by Miller, Moorefield-Lang & Meier (2012):

• Type of Device • Number of Devices• Pre-loaded Apps• User Eligibility• Checkout Conditions• Loan Period• Overdue and Damage Fees• Renewal and Holds


Research Limitations• The sample population was limited to policies from public libraries and did not

include policies from private libraries or those belonging to educational institutions.

• It is difficult to address the data quality of the results from the sample, as reliability cannot be measured in non-probability sampling techniques. “the only way to address data quality is to compare some of the survey results with available information about the population” (Statistics Canada, 2013).

• This was problematic as the availability of research evaluating tablet lending programs in public libraries was limited.

• To address this issue, evaluations of lending programs from private and educational libraries were included for discussion, comparing themes and phenomena discovered from the sample evaluation.


Recommendations



To ensure the tablets are fulfilling an identified need and providing value for investment, librarians should research their users and aim to consider questions such as:

• Who will be using the tablets?• What can tablets do that other technologies cannot?• How will users be using the tablets?• Where will the tablets be used? Is there enough space to

accommodate new resources?• Do tablets fit the technology and strategic plans of the library and

support its mission statement?

Source: Miller, Moorefield-Lang & Meier, 2012; Quinn & McCallum, 2012.


Research First!

Librarians should seek answers to these questions by conducting various research methods including:

• Focus groups and interviews • Surveys (online or in person)• Observational research• Seeking available anecdotal evidence

Source: Miller, Moorefield-Lang & Meier, 2012; Quinn & McCallum, 2012.


Research First!

Recommended Policy GuidelinesRecommended policy guidelines have been categorised under the loan policy criteria as suggested by Miller, Moorefield-Lang & Meier (2012):

• Type of Device • Number of Devices• Pre-loaded Apps• User Eligibility• Checkout Conditions• Loan Period• Overdue and Damage Fees• Renewal and Holds


Tablet type and number of devices

• Do not make assumptions - research what is out there!

• Although there was a strong preference toward the loan of iPad devices, research should beconducted to ensure the deviceschosen:

- Fulfil the identified need- Provide value for investment

Source: American Library Association, 2014; Quinn & McCallum, 2012.


Image: Allure Media, 2013

Preloaded Apps• Should be chosen based on the intended user group.

• It is not ideal to install apps which are

time consuming or require setup of personal accounts as patrons will likely not be able to take full advantage of these apps within the loan period (Grim & Gallaher, as cited in Polanka, 2012).

• Provide easy ways for patrons to suggest apps (Thompson, 2011).

• Set a maximum budget that the library will pay for an app or a maximum total for all apps (Thompson, 2011).



User EligibilityGeneral user requirements should include (but not be limited to):

• An existing member of the library and in current good standing.• Photo identification e.g. licence or passport in addition to their current

library membership.• Complete and sign a user agreement.• Be over 18 years of age to sign the user

agreement and loan the device. If the patron is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian should be required to signthe user agreement.


Checkout ConditionsTablets should be checked out and returned to a staff member at the reference desk for each circulation.

• Staff should inspect and assess the physical condition of the device to note any damage.

• Ensure any private data is successfully removed before its next circulation.

• Provides the patron an opportunity to ask any question regarding the device or lending policy.

Background Image: Latest Laptop Wallpaper, 2013Image: Nine Dot Nine Mediaworx, 2014

Loan PeriodIt is recommended tablet devices are loaned for short periods in house for three key reasons:

1. To be fully charged when loaned(Capdarest-Arest, 2013).

2. To reduce the risk of loss and damage to the device and anyaccessories (Capdarest-Arest, 2013).

3. To increase the availability of the device for loan, creating fairer opportunities for patrons to benefit from the service(Grim & Gallaher, as cited as in Polanka, 2012).


Overdue Fees and Damage Fees• Patrons should be held accountable for any loss or damage caused to the device

during the loan period.

• Overdue fees should apply.

• Penalties should be clearly outlined in the user agreement. A two tier penalty structure is recommended:

1. A fee is charged per loan period that the device is overdue.2. Once the device is overdue for a specified number of days, the device is

deemed ‘lost’ and the patron is charged for the replacement of the device. Source: Anderson & Weatherbee, 2012; Grim & Gallaher, as cited in Polanka, 2012.

• This penalty structure reduces paperwork associated with processing fines; and act as a deterrent for the mishandling or late return of devices (Libralante, 2013; Grim & Gallaher, as cited in Polanka, 2012).


Holds and RenewalsPermitting holds and renew of devices can be beneficial for patrons. However a ‘first come first served’ policy is generally recommended to ensure:

• There is still an adequate supply of devices available.

• Reserved devices are not sitting idle or unused.

Source: Anderson & Weatherbee, 2012; Grim & Gallaher, as cited in Polanka, 2012; Thompson, 2011.



Implement methods for feedback

Feedback methods are recommended as they:• Provide insight into user experience.• Identify areas of policy requiring adjustment.• Provide justification for funding and allocation of additional resources

to services.• Provide knowledge and experience to share with other librarians

seeking information on tablet lending programs.

Source: Grim & Gallaher, as cited in Polanka, 2012; Capdarest-Arest, 2013.


Methods to obtain feedback include (but are not limited to):

• Focus groups• Interviews• Surveys (online or in person)• Observational research

Source: Grim & Gallaher, as cited in Polanka, 2012; Capdarest-Arest, 2013.

Implement methods for feedback


Other ConsiderationsOther areas of policy development which should be considered include:

• Location the devices will be stored and charged when not in circulation

• Accessories that are available with the devices• Support and maintenance the devices• Training programs for staff and patrons• Compliancy with other policies such as privacy, security & copyright

e.g. account setup and restore procedures to clear patron data after the device has been returned.

Source: Anderson & Weatherbee, 2012; American Library Association, 2014; Quinn & McCallum, 2012; Miller, Moorefield-Lang & Meier, 2012.


“Knowing is half the battle." • Currently, there is limited research available which evaluates existing

lending policies in public libraries.

• This research aims to begin filling this knowledge gap, by providing a list of guidelines for developing lending policies based on evaluative research.

• It is hoped that the guidelines will not only provide examples for best practice, but also invite further evaluation, organisation and sharing of knowledge; which as suggested by Savova & Garsia (2012, p.205), “is the very spirit of librarianship”.


DiscussionDo you think public libraries can benefit

from implementing tablet lending programs into their services?

If your local public library offered a tablet lending program, would you be interested in

trying it?

Why? Or Why not?Background Image: Latest Laptop Wallpaper, 2013

References1. Allure Media. (2014). CHART OF THE DAY: Apple's Tablet Market Share Has Fallen Drastically From Two Years Ago. Retrieved October 10, 2014, from: http://www.businessinsider.com.au/chart-of-the-day-apple-ipad-tablet-market-share-falls-2014-7

2. Anderson, S. & Weatherbee, S. (2012). Growing a Technology Equipment Service in an Academic Library. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from: http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/jul12/Anderson-Weatherbee--Growing-a-Technology-Equipment-Service-in-an-Academic-Library.shtml

3. American Library Association. (2014). Left to Our Devices: What librarians need to know about tablets and mobile apps. Retrieved October 14, 2014, from: http://www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/article/left-our-devices

4. Capdarest-Arest, N. 2013. Implementing a tablet circulation program on a shoestring. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 101 (3), 220-224.Retrieved October 12, 2014, from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738084/

5. Cottrell, T. (2013). Good libraries are expensive libraries? The Bottom Line, 26(2), 47–51. Retrieved October 8, 2014, from: http://www.emeraldinsight.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/doi/full/10.1108/BL-04-2013-0009

6. Duncan, Ross. (2011). Ebooks and beyond: Update on a survey of library users. Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services, 24(4), 182-193. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from: http://search.informit.com.au.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/documentSummary;dn=759456570471199;res=IELHSS

7. Explorable. (2014). Judgmental Sampling. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from: https://explorable.com/judgmental-sampling

8. Farley, H., Murphy, A. & Rees, S. (2013). Revisiting the definition of Mobile Learning. Retrieved October 9, 2014, from: http://www.ascilite.org/conferences/sydney13/program/papers/Farley.pdf

9. Griffey, J. (2012). The rise of the tablet. Library Technology Reports, 48(3), 7-13. Retrieved October 14, 2014, from: http://search.proquest.com/docview/1011631988?accountid=13380

10. Latest Laptop Wallpaper. (2013). Blank Ipad Screen Template. Retrieved from: http://latestlaptop.biz/blank-ipad-screen-template/

11. Libralante. (2013). Starting An iPad Lending Program. Retrieved October 9, 2014, from: http://libralante.wordpress.com/2013/05/02/starting-an-ipad-lending-program/

12. Mason, Mark (2010). Sample Size and Saturation in PhD Studies Using Qualitative Interviews. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 11(3), 8. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from: http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs100387

13. Miller, R., Moorefield-Land, H., Meier, C. (2012). Integrating Ipads and Tablet Computers into Library Services [Powerpoint Presentation]. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from: http://www.alatechsource.org/blog/2012/03/continuing-the-conversation-integrating-ipads-and-tablet-computers-into-library-service

14. Nine Dot Nine Mediaworx. (2014). Top 10 affordable Quad-Core tablets compared. Retrieved: http://www.digit.in/tablets/top-10-affordable-quad-core-tablets-compared-21966.html

15. Polanka, S. (2012). No Shelf Required 2: Use and Management of Electronic Books. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from: http://books.google.com.au/books?id=vNNdPX8K8ZEC&pg=PT281&lpg=PT281&dq=evaluation+library+ipad+lending+program&source=bl&ots=pwk7iq8DVF&sig=yo4Kr9Y_66x81MNw2AbUSatZPTI&hl=en&sa=X&ei=2GozVLqZNc3coAT7qIKICA&ved=0CBwQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=evaluation%20library%20ipad%20lending%20program&f=false

16. Quinn, S. & McCallum, I. (2012). Living Learning Libraries: Standards and guidelines for NSW public libraries 4th edition [PDF Document]. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from: http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/services/public_libraries/docs/living_learning_libraries2012.pdf

17. Razorfish Search. (2014). The Rise of the Tablet. Retrieved from: http://razorfishsearch.com/2011/07/27/the-rise-of-the-tablet/#sthash.aGGOVqps.dpbs

18. Savova, M., & Garsia, M. (2012). McGill library makes E-books portable: E-reader loan service in a canadian academic library. Portal: Libraries and the Academy, 12(2), 205-222. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from: http://search.proquest.com/docview/1013842229?accountid=1338

19. Statistics Canada. (2013). Non-probability sampling. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/edu/power-pouvoir/ch13/nonprob/5214898-eng.htm

20. TeleRead. (2013). How Has the Tablet Changed Your Life? Your Business? Your General Disposition? A gaggle of tablets. Retrieved from: http://www.teleread.com/tablet/how-has-the-tablet-changed-your-life-your-business-your-general-disposition/attachment/best_tablets1/

21. Thompson, S. (2011). Setting up a library iPad program: Guidelines for success. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from: http://crln.acrl.org/content/72/4/212.full

References

Documents

Reading to the future: Developing best practice lending policies for tablet devices in public libraries Presented by: Kelly Mitchell Image: TeleRead 2013