There was an interesting discussion and webinar on WebJunction a few years ago about setting up "technology petting zoos" like this. http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/Creating_a_Technology_Petting_Zoo.html (there's a link to the recording of the webinar in the right-hand column).
My partner was quite taken by this idea and she did something similar as part of a Go On digital inclusion project she was running in Rochdale's libraries a couple of years ago. It was also useful because some people who struggle physically or conceptually with a keyboard and mouse/trackball are comfortable with using a tablet's touch screen and swipe functions. Having this kit available meant that some people who would have given up on the basic online skills training managed to complete the course and a few of them became very enthusiastic about it.
HTH
—s
Steven Heywood
Information Systems Development Officer
Customers & ICT
t: 01706 924332
e: [log in to unmask]
Rochdale Borough Council
Floor 2, Number One Riverside
Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU
To access our services go to www.rochdale.gov.uk
For news and social media updates go to www.rochdalenewsroom.com
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Phil Bradley
Sent: 21 May 2014 12:04
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Selling eReaders in libraries
As has already been pointed out, e-readers have already had their brief period in the sun. I really wouldn't be inclined to spend any time or effort on them. To be honest, attempting to sell a piece of kit like that would in any case be fraught with difficulties - taking returns, sorting out problems, returning faulty units - more trouble than it's worth.
I think a more interesting thing to do would perhaps be to hold a technology day; ask colleagues and library members to come into the library to show other people what their particular device could do, how it works - even how light/heavy it happens to be. Help the community to engage with the community and to promote the library as being a good place to learn about tech. Then take video of the event, or people showing off what their particular gadget does, advantages and disadvantages, which could then be posted onto Facebook, YouTube and so on.
If you're looking to make money, ask local tech companies, phone companies, representatives from Dixons etc to take a stall which you either charge them for, or ask for sponsorship for the day. You could even do a session in a corner of the library where each company gets some time to make a pitch, push their own products or run a Q&A. If you don't like the idea of them selling stuff, they could perhaps hand out discount vouchers valid for a period of time in their stores.
Then you also get people to come along who like making and repairing things; if library members have something which doesn't seem to work any longer, maybe they can be fixed, or if nothing else told it's beyond repair, and should be thrown away. This then gives you the opportunity to get someone giving a talk about recycling old computers or phones, and have bins where people can chuck them.
All this shows the library is the place to be, engaged with the community, a centre of learning, fun, up to speed and so on. I'd certainly turn up to an event like that - I'd never buy an e-reader from a library.
Phil.
On 21 May 2014 09:54, Steve Powell <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> The two formats will continue together for the foreseeable future – at
> least until the next step forward which will probably be books being
> bluetoothed straight into our brains…
>
> Ebooks will probably pull ahead and stay there, but it will no doubt
> be subject to fluctuations.
>
>
>
> Like the Download/Vinyl/CD debate it’s actually a media fabrication
> [much like the Blur vs Oasis debacle at the tail end of Britpop, or
> does that show my vintage too much??].
>
> All these formats exist and all have positive and negative aspects, I
> will always love the analogue feel & sound of vinyl and I will always
> want to own an actual physical copy of albums I love [especially if
> it’s a rather nice deluxe edition box set with extra stuff] but I
> still download and I certainly rip CDs to my iPod…and this is the same for books.
>
>
>
> Nothing will ever replicate the sheer sensuous appeal of a paper book
> – the smell, the feel the sound of the pages turning etc. but there is
> a place for Ebooks alongside. Some OP titles are now only available
> digitally and as Librarians surely we appreciate that access to
> material in whatever format is vital… and anyway, the genie is very
> much out of the bottle now so we need to embrace all book formats and follow the trends!
>
>
>
> Hey, whoda thought it? Trendy Librarians, whatever next?? ;-)
>
> Steve
>
>
>
> Steve Powell BA (Hons) MCLIP
>
>
>
> Team Librarian – Children & Young People
>
>
>
> Retford Library
>
> Churchgate
>
> Retford
>
> Notts
>
> DN22 6PE
>
>
>
> T:01777 708724
>
> E: [log in to unmask]
>
> Children, Families & Cultural Services
>
> Nottinghamshire County Council
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of McNabb, Helen
> Sent: 20 May 2014 16:53
>
>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Selling eReaders in libraries
>
>
>
> If you look for Farriers instead of blacksmiths there are lots of them
> about, as lots of people still have horses and they all need to be shod.
> Far from being an extinct profession!
>
>
>
> Helen McNabb
>
> Library Resources Manager
>
> Library and Information Service
>
> Vale of Glamorgan Council / Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
>
> tel / ffôn: 01446 725383
>
> e-mail / e-bost: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
> Visit our Website at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
>
> Ewch i'n gwefan yn www.bromorgannwg.gov.uk
>
>
>
> Find us on Facebook / Cewch ddod o hyd i ni ar Facebook
>
> Follow us on Twitter / Dilynwch ni ar Twitter
>
>
>
> Consider the environment. Please don't print this e-mail unless you
> really need to.
>
> Ystyriwch yr amgylchedd. Peidiwch ag argraffu’r neges hon oni bai fod
> gwir angen.
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Ian Stringer
> Sent: 20 May 2014 16:12
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Selling eReaders in libraries
>
>
>
> Cold Hanworth in Lincolnshire has a village blacksmith but no Library!
>
> They also train people to be blacksmiths, but not librarians
>
> but as Henry Ford said 'History is bunk'
>
>
>
> On 20 May 2014 15:41, Gary Porter <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> To be honest I can't see Amazon 'kicking themselves' over anything the
> library sector does – we are just too small and getting smaller!
>
>
>
> My own view is that we are likely to have a mixed economy of e and
> physical books for longer than many people think. I'm not sure one
> format will wholly supercede the other – TV didn't kill radio, video
> didn't kill cinema (or the Radio Star), although to be fair Henry Ford
> did successfully see off the village blacksmith! It's difficult to
> call. Who would have thought the download generation would get into
> vinyl. I think the e/physical book balance will change in favour of
> the former with physical books becoming more niche. So…are librarians
> assuming the role of blacksmiths? Discuss…
>
>
>
> From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Ian Anstice
>
>
> Sent: 20 May 2014 15:20
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
> Subject: Re: Selling eReaders in libraries
>
>
>
> An interesting fundraising idea (and heaven knows we all need those)
> and another plus about it is we would have some stock in the library
> from which to demonstrate with. At the moment, I bring in my own
> iPad. I also agree with the reasons listed.
>
>
>
> Careful though as e-readers are likely to be a transitional technology ...
> I'm seeing a lot more interest in reading on iPads and other tablets
> than straight e-readers. Now, if we became Apple agents, I'd be
> really interested! Technology may also be moving too fast for a
> national consortia, even if for a moment we think that is possible, to
> cope with - by the time something is bought, it may be out of date.
> There may also be a loss of impartiality with such a deal.
>
>
>
> There's also an element of turkeys voting for Christmas (it's so sad
> seeing the Waterstones staff having to sell e-readers don't you
> think?) but I guess that horse may already have bolted.
>
> Ian Anstice
>
> Public Libraries News
>
>
> On 20 May 2014, at 11:59, "stjohnknight, jan"
> <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Hi Sue
>
>
>
> I think a national/ consortium deal would be just the thing to help us
> get started. A better deal for income generation. I bet Amazon will be
> kicking themselves if it happens!! Lol
>
>
>
> Best wishes
>
> Jan
>
>
>
> From: Sue Lawson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 20 May 2014 11:56
> To: stjohnknight, jan
> Cc: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Selling eReaders in libraries
>
>
>
> Hi Jan
> I think it's a great idea. Makes perfect sense to me as we could offer
> ereader support, information about library ebook services plus help
> navigating all the different types of ebooks including free, self
> published, fanfic and traditional publishers.
>
> Could even feed into the movement for libraries to become community
> publishers plus a source of income generation.
>
> Perhaps a good idea to negotiate a national/consortium deal with ebook
> retailers rather than 150 individual authorities talking to the vendors?
>
> Sue Lawson
> www.librarycamp.co.uk
>
> On 20 May 2014 10:49, "stjohnknight, jan"
> <[log in to unmask]>
> wrote:
>
> Morning J
>
>
>
> Has anyone thought of selling eReaders in their libraries?
>
>
>
> Or is anyone actually selling them now?
>
>
>
> If so, is this successful?
>
>
>
> Just a thought… I’d be interested in your views of whether they should
> be sold in libraries or not and how you think they would be received.
>
>
>
> We offer eReader support for our members to borrow ebooks so I just
> wondered if we could offer the sale of compatible eReaders for
> potentials…
>
>
>
> Best wishes
>
> Jan
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________
> Jan St. John-Knight
>
> Library Development Officer
>
> Strood Library
>
> Medway Council
>
> 32 Bryant Road
>
> Strood
>
> Rochester
>
> Kent ME2 3EP
>
> T: 01634 337285
>
> E: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
> For key information and news about Medway Libraries visit
> www.medway.gov.uk/libraries
>
> Visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/medwaylibraries
>
>
>
> <image001.jpg>
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> This transmission is intended for the named addressee(s) only and may
> contain sensitive or protectively marked material up to RESTRICTED and
> should be handled accordingly. Unless you are the named addressee (or
> authorised to receive it for the addressee) you may not copy or use
> it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you have received this
> transmission in error please notify the sender immediately. This email
> has been scanned for viruses and all reasonable precautions have been
> taken to ensure that none are present. Medway Council cannot accept
> responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of this
> email or attachments. Any views expressed in this email are those of
> the individual sender and not necessarily those of Medway Council
> unless explicitly stated. Please be aware that emails sent to or
> received from Medway Council may be subject to recording and/or monitoring in accordance with relevant legislation.
>
> ________________________________
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> This transmission is intended for the named addressee(s) only and may
> contain sensitive or protectively marked material up to RESTRICTED and
> should be handled accordingly. Unless you are the named addressee (or
> authorised to receive it for the addressee) you may not copy or use
> it, or disclose it to anyone else. If you have received this
> transmission in error please notify the sender immediately. This email
> has been scanned for viruses and all reasonable precautions have been
> taken to ensure that none are present. Medway Council cannot accept
> responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of this
> email or attachments. Any views expressed in this email are those of
> the individual sender and not necessarily those of Medway Council
> unless explicitly stated. Please be aware that emails sent to or
> received from Medway Council may be subject to recording and/or monitoring in accordance with relevant legislation.
>
> ________________________________
>
> ________________________________
>
> Note: We are a Microsoft Office site. Our base version is 2010. Please
> make sure that files you send can be read in this format. Any form of
> reproduction, dissemination, copying, disclosure, modification,
> distribution and/or publication of this e-mail is strictly prohibited
> save unless expressly authorised by the sender. The information
> contained in this message is intended for the named recipients only.
> It may contain privileged and confidential information and if you are
> not the addressee or the person responsible for delivering this to the
> addressee, you may not copy, distribute or take action in reliance on
> it. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender(s) immediately by telephone.
> Please also destroy and delete as soon as possible the message from
> your computer.
> **********************************************************************
> ***********
> **********************************************************************
> ***********
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> Emails and any attachments from Nottinghamshire County Council are
> confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the
> sender immediately by replying to the email, and then delete it
> without making copies or using it in any other way. Senders and
> recipients of email should be aware that, under the Data Protection
> Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the contents may
> have to be disclosed in response to a request.
>
> Although any attachments to the message will have been checked for
> viruses before transmission, you are urged to carry out your own virus
> check before opening attachments, since the County Council accepts no
> responsibility for loss or damage caused by software viruses.
>
> Nottinghamshire County Council Legal Disclaimer.
>
> ________________________________
--
Phil Bradley: Internet Consultant, Trainer, Social Media observer and Author.
Visit http://www.philb.com for free information on aspects of the Internet ,
search engine articles, social media tips and a host of other free information.
Weblogs: http://www.philbradley.typepad.com/
http://philbradley.typepad.com/i_want_to/
_____________________________________________________________________________
Scanned by IBM Email Security Management Services powered by MessageLabs. For more information please visit http://www-935.ibm.com/services/us/index.wss/offerfamily/iss/a1026954
_____________________________________________________________________________
[http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/images/2115_Elections_EmailSig.jpg]<http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/elections>
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This e-mail and any attached files are confidential and may also be legally privileged. They are intended solely for the intended addressee. If you are not the addressee please e-mail it back to the sender and then immediately, permanently delete it. Do not read, print, re-transmit, store or act in reliance on it. This e-mail may be monitored by Rochdale Council in accordance with current regulations. This footnote also confirms that this e-mail message has been swept for the presence of computer viruses currently known to the Council. However, the recipient is responsible for virus-checking before opening this message and any attachment. Unless otherwise stated, any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of Rochdale Council.
The Council may be required to disclose this email and/or any response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 unless the information in the email and/or any response is covered by one of the exemptions in the Act.
We do not accept service of legal proceedings by e-mail
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|