Library eReader Lending Policies

Angela PierpaoliTechnology Support Librarian

Buffalo and Erie County Public LibraryPresented July 10, 2012

Article in Clarence Bee – Lifestyles

Research Process – Click to View

eBook Reader Policies Spreadsheet

PLDSFY2011 eReaders and Tablets Spreadsheet

Overview and Additional Resources Document

Where Did I Get My Information?

Library websiteseReader lending policy pagesFAQ pagesDesignated website pages devoted to eReader/eBooks

programs User AgreementsRequest FormsLibrary CatalogsFlyersWebinarsCase studies

Policy Components and Common Practices

Types of Readers

Most CommonKindlesNooksSony Readers

To a Lesser Extent3MKoboiPads

Recommendations – Kindle (if we could only choose 1 right now), mix would be better, keep an eye on 3M, and look at iPads down the road

Who Can Checkout

Most Common18 and older (some policies allow teens to

checkout if legal guardian accepts liability)Library card in good standingNeed photo ID and library card at checkoutOnly 1 per householdStipulation to refuse services to anyone who

abuses equipment or doesn’t follow policies (consistently late, uses bookdrop, etc.)

User Agreements

Many libraries have user agreements that patrons have to sign. Not only do they have to agree to the policies, but it also allows staff to go over replacement costs and other significant repercussions of losing, damaging, not returning equipment. (Benefits patron as well as library).

Where To Request Equipment

While a few libraries have request forms, or patrons have to request in person, most common to put holds on device records in Catalog.

Equipment most often available for pickup at Front Desk/Welcome Desk/Service Desk, sometimes Circulation Desk, or Computer Help Desk

Pilot projects sometimes start with select rather than all branches.

Pre-Loaded or Patron-Added Content

Most CommonPre-loaded with popular or classic titles, or themesMost often in Catalog Bib record under Added Author

and/or Added Title, although lists sometimes on website.

To a Lesser ExtentBlank. The libraries that offered this tended to have

the Overdrive service, and returned devices to default settings upon check-in.

Some libraries offered a combination of pre-loaded and patron-added content, which offers the most flexibility to patrons.

Circulation Policies

Checkout typically 14 or 21 daysMost don’t allow renewals.Late fees $1-2 per day, sometimes $5Most libraries do not allow return to

bookdrop. Most libraries charge full replacement cost

for lost/damaged items, sometimes including a processing fee.

Accessories

Most Common

Device itselfCarrying caseCoverUSB AdapterPower CordInstructional GuideIf pilot, sometimes a survey that has to be filled

out and returned as part of user agreement

Funding

Library FoundationFriends GroupsInstitute of Museum and Library

Services/Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds

Private DonationsPartnerships with eReader vendorsGovernment Grants

Unique Cases

iPad program (L.E. Phillips Memorial Library)Must be willing to spend time learning to use

the device with a staff member prior to check-out (15 minutes). (Broward County)

Nook Book Club Kids (Durham County)Accessibility issues. Nook Simple Touch

lawsuit (Free Library of Philadelphia)Best documentation for other libraries

(Sacramento)