eBooks: Library Experiences Rochester, New York March 15, 2000 Susan Gibbons

Dedicated eBook Devices Rocket eBook Reader SoftBook Reader

Features 6-8 titles loaded simultaneously Adjustable backlighting Choice of 2 font sizes Stylus for margin notes & highlighting Searching Hyperlinked dictionary (Rocket only) Bookmarking

Evaluation Project Ebook readers into 6 area libraries 2 academic- RIT and Univ. of Rochester 2 public libraries 1 high school & 1 middle school Circulate readers- 3 Rocket eBook Readers 2 SoftBook Readers Created own policies and procedures

Evaluation Project User surveys Focus groups Librarians Patrons Educators Documented trials and tribulations

Expectations Patrons would not enjoy reading a book off of the screen of an ebook device It would not be too difficult to integrate the ebook format into a library

Results No complaints of eye strain 67% read 1 or more complete titles Combo backlighting & large font Patrons really liked backlighting several titles in one package larger fonts

Results Not just curiosity 35% prefer ebook; 23% no preference Reasons for ebook preference Large fonts, backlighting, easier to read & fun Reasons for paper book preference Tradition, more durable, better selection, no battery, less expensive

Encryption Problem Title is encrypted so that it can only work on a single, unique reader You cannot lend an ebook to a friend without also lending your ebook device Difficult to give patrons what they want; genre-specific devices

Cataloging Challenge Catalog each ebook title- but what is status when not loaded onto device? Catalog ebook device- but who is going to change the cataloging record?

Downloading Challenge SoftBook has internal modem- analog phone lines Need credit card

Browsing Challenge Patrons want to browse See dust jacket and picture of author Read inside cover Get a feel for how long it is Read a couple of pages

Conclusions Patrons enjoy leisure reading on an ebook device However, the integration of ebook devices into libraries is presently very difficult

Possible Uses of eBooks Devices Convenient for frequent travelers Substitute for large print books Assist patrons with low-hand dexterity Classroom teaching tool This production was supported by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to The New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.