Wisconsin library lending out iPads

The public library in Eau Claire, Wisconsin has launched a program that lets customers borrow iPads instead of books. Each iPad is packed with over 1,000 eBook classics, ten audiobooks and a bunch of apps. The iPads can be rented in the library for four hours at a time or taken home for up to seven days.

The library has 44 iPads that were purchased with a grant. Library director John Stoneberg looked at different tablet and eReader alternatives for this program, but chose the iPad because of "its place as a tablet computer marketplace leader and its flexibility in providing more access to library-related content than an e-reader-only device."

If the library can ensure the tablets are not easily broken or stolen, then this may become a model program that could spread to other libraries.

[Via AllThingsD]

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Source: http://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/services/library-services/ip…

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The public library in Eau Claire, Wisconsin has launched a program that lets customers borrow iPads instead of books. Each iPad is...

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Ahren

This is nothing new. I work for a library in Illinois and we circulate Kindles, Nook Colors, Kobo Touch(s), Sony eReaders, laptops and much more, and we've been doing it for years. We will probably add iPads and iPod Touch(s) to the collection soon.

September 23 2011 at 10:59 AM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Reply

Mazin Elodat

http://thenewipad.makeyouronlinemoneynow.com is the best ipad store for you @ huge discounts online

September 22 2011 at 2:19 PM Report abuse Permalink -2 rate up rate down Reply

macbitt

REI rents out camping gear, including fairly expensive tents. Home Depot rents out power tools, even trucks. Not to mention the whole car rental industry. As long as you handle things in a similar way the library is fairly secure. Anyone who wants to rent an iPad gets an account, has their ID verified, signs a waiver, and provides a credit card. Anything broken or missing, credit card charge it. Waiver protects the library.

With university libraries they don't even have to mess with the credit card. Broke our $500 iPad? Pay up or we hold your $40,000 Bachelors degree hostage. I know universities that do this with laptops right now. The only hassle is wiping and reimaging them after each use, but that is easy to do with the right setup and the same can be done with the iPads.

September 22 2011 at 1:58 PM Report abuse Permalink +3 rate up rate down Reply

Doug Pencille

Wisconsin has the market captured on idiot liberals who sold this idea to the board.
Shame! Shame! Shame!

September 22 2011 at 12:41 PM Report abuse Permalink -4 rate up rate down Reply

jayseedub

As much as I love Apple and libraries and books, this seems like a craaazy silly idea. How, economically, can this be a good idea? People WILL break and steal and lose the iPads. And they cost a boatload. Checking out ebooks/ibooks is a great idea. Checking out valuable, expensive electronic hardware is crazy. I wonder how they sold this to their library boards... I've love to see that pitch.

September 22 2011 at 12:33 PM Report abuse Permalink -2 rate up rate down Reply