Handheld Devices in the Library

Your technology director has given you a budget of $10,000 for the purchase of handheld devices in the library. Using the prices in Chapter 5 of Courtney as a general guide, what would you purchase and why?

As one who is learning more and more about technology and its use in information science, it is tempting for me to want to spend the money I am given on the latest and greatest, top-of-the-line devices like Ultra Mobile and Tablet PCs. They have all the bells and whistles (desktop computers in handheld format), but their costs and use by the public do not justify such a purchase.

After reading of devices from Palm Pilots to MP3 players to eBook readers, it is difficult to decide where to spend my money. Therefore, the decision I made was based on the advice found at the end of chapter 5. The author reminds us that, in the big picture, we need to cater to what the public knows and uses, for these are the things that are in greater demand and desire. Chapter 5 maintains that over any other technology, our public knows and uses cell phones and MP3 players.

If given $10,000 for handheld technology in the library, I would use the money on 3 things: MP3 players, eBook readers, and cell phones/cell applications.

MP3 Players:
Because the sale of MP3 players has risen dramatically over the year and their functions include everything from music files to audio files to video and even use as portable storage devices, I can see the value in allowing patrons to check out MP3 players from the library as one would check out a book, perhaps with an additional cost or stipulation to ensure its return. In borrowing an MP3 player, one could only play what was downloaded from the library's computers- perhaps songs, audiobooks, and even videos that are available through the library. Listening to an audiobook that I loaned from the library for a road trip via MP3 player is much more appealing to me than checking out an audiobook on tape or CD, having to change it out or turn it over to keep listening, etc. Because the public is already familiar with the technology, it would be a smooth transition into public library use.

eBook Readers:
As a librarian, I am a proponent of physical books. I am an advocate for the physical act of touching a book, turning the pages, etc. However, I realize that there are people that love the convenience of eBook readers, as they allow for a great number of books to be stored at once and are therefore in need of one, they are portable and easy to operate and move. Therefore, it would appeal to many patrons for the library to not only offer eBooks for checkout, but also to provide eBook readers for checkout so that patrons can download multiple books at once and leave the library with only one thing in hand. This would be handy in travel and for those that consistently check out multiple books at once. The eBook readers ordered would have to be above base-line; in other words, the screen, downloading ability, and operational functions must be high enough quality for any reader to operate. Amazon's Kindle would be a good example of this, with its large screen, matte finish, and wealth of books available for download.

Cell phones/Cell phone applications:
It is shocking, the number of people that have cell phones today. We live in a society where being without a cell phone is quite a hindrance. Besides providing basic communication, cell phones now provide Internet service, store information, allow for email, play music, and can even send information to and from one another via Bluetooth. For those patrons that do not have a cell phone, temporary use of a phone may be a valuable tool. Prepaid phones could be available for checkout, and the patron would pay for the minutes at the library. This service would target lower income patrons of the library, as well as older library patrons who do not have a cell phone and most likely will not purchase one on their own.

An even more valuable investment regarding cell phones would be the library's purchase of applications that are cell-phone compatable, where patrons can search the library's catalog on their Smart Phones, download eBooks through the library's web page, and manage their accounts from their phones via the Internet. Another valuable tool is the use of text message between patron and librarian, in reference questions and questions regarding accounts. Text message enables the librarian to leave the desk and still remain in contact with the patron that is requesting help, rather than have the patron wait on hold via telephone for help. Response time is quick and convenient. This may not work for more elaborate research questions, but is geared toward the quick and easy response questions with which patrons often approach the desk. Especially for young adult and teenage patrons, the use of phone applications and text messaging would make their library experience more accessible.

For budget purposes, the bulk of my money would fall in the order presented above. 10 MP3 players would cost approximately $1500, 10 Kindle eBook readers approximately $3000, and 20 basic cell phones (not Smart Phones) approximately $4000. This leaves a cushion of $2500 for use in purchasing eBooks and audiobooks not already owned by the library (collection development) and cost of phone applications that can be accessed via patrons' Smart Phones.

The addition of this technology serves primarily patrons, but also staff. The goal is not to simply have "bigger and better," but to serve the patrons and their needs. We cannot ignore the rapid influx of technology, but we can adapt to use it in a practical way that best serves the community.