Ever really wanted an iPad? All you have to do is visit to the library!
Many people are in love with the latest tech crazes out there: tech savvy teenagers to grandma and grandpa (and sometimes three-year-olds). Currently, the iPad sits near the top. One of the biggest hang-ups?--the price! At just under $800 (after protection plans and cases/accessories), for some people, Apple's creation better be able to mime.
Sadly, there is not an app for that...yet. In an economy like this who can really justify spending this much money on such a thing when one can buy a brand new laptop for about the same price? Bottom line is, most people can't afford to buy one.
However, a Wisconsin library has decided to give people what they want while getting people to read more. The Eau Claire, Wis., library is now lending the Apple "super-tablets" to its various borrowers. Library director John Stoneberg told local reporters that their goal is, "To first introduce our customers to a new technology they haven't used."
"Since we are the first public library, if not the first library in the United States to lend out iPads, it's been a challenge but it's been exciting."
But why not buy a cheaper tablet made for reading like a Nook or Kindle? Eau Claire decided to buy the iPads because of their versatility: it is both a tablet computer that provides much more opportunities than just a simple e-reader device. They were also not too worried about the cost since the funding came from a recent foundation grant. This makes one wonder: will Apple lose all its overwhelming hype or will other e-readers' sales start going down? The market is too fragile now to tell one way or another.
So what do you get? Each device is pre-loaded with 1,000 books, 10 audio books as well as various apps and website links. If 1,000 books isn't enough, the library also has more e-books for download. As of now, only 44 tablets are lent out: a few are for week-long check-outs while others are only available for four-hour in-library rentals. The library has not mentioned how they plan to keep their new toys from being stolen. Hopefully, people will not take advantage of such a good opportunity.
Photo Credit: Fox News
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Comments: 7
I work in a library in Virginia. So far, we do offer wireless access in our buildings for people with laptops, but we do not loan out any laptops or handhelds.
It will be interesting to see if this catches on. It is likely too expensive for most libraries in the absence of grant funds. It's hard to buy adequate amounts of printed books, DVDs, and books on CD for loaning. Some libraries have had to reduce hours or shut down branches in this recession.
---Thanks for reading...and the recommendation!! =D
Thanks for reading Kathi!