Kindle and Libraries

Resource Review #5

Fialkoff, Francine. "To Kindle or Not." (2008) Library Journal, Vol. 133 Issue 4, p8. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=30106209&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live

To Kindle or Not

So, with all of Kindle's great features, like the ability to carry thousands of books in one device, why aren't libraries jumping at the opportunity to use them? The main problem is the Terms and Conditions Amazon has imposed. The actual device can be loaned to patrons, but all of the content is protected and may not be loaned to a third party. However, some libraries, like Sparta Public Library in New Jersey, (and UW-Madison's SLIS Library...) are ignoring this restriction and loaning Kindles to patrons with pre-downloaded material. the are allowed to purchase one new book, but they also have access to all other books previously downloaded by other patrons.
This article also compares Amazon's business model with Audible, an online audiobook business now owned by Amazon. Audible originally marketed to libraries, but eventually went solely for the private market. Audible only allows one book per borrower, though it can be played on any device (even iTunes--which other audiobook formats cannot be played on).
Fialkoff ends by encouraging Amazon to look the other way when libraries lend Kindles to their patrons, because this gives them free publicity.
This article is a good reminder of the limitations of the Kindle. Libraries need to be aware of the terms of use for new technology, or they could get into trouble. However, like Fialkoff suggests, perhaps Amazon will find a way to give libraries a free pass because of the service and publicity they provide.

Resource Review #5 1/2

Fialkoff, Francine."Beyond the Kindle." (2008) Library Journal, Vol. 133 Issue 12, p8. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=33193568&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live

Beyond the Kindle

This is another article by Fialkoff remarking on the use of ebooks on other ereaders including cell phones and other mobile devices. She says that these new formats are beginning to be accepted especially by the younger generations. Though some still argue that reading things on a screen is done more to gain information, than to really ponder. She also quotes Janelle Brown who recently wrote a book about these changing formats, All We Ever Wanted Was Everything (sold in both print and ebook),

[Libraries are] always "adding": services, formats, and ways to acquire, provide access to, and deliver "stories." Librarians have jumped on the ebook and downloadable bandwagon as vigorously as they have DVDs and CDs. They've adapted social networking tools to their library catalogs, e.g., enabling patron reviews and LibraryThing tags (à la King County Library System, WA). Some may view these changes with trepidation. I don't. Librarians always have been early adopters. Ebooks and downloadable delivery are just more library services.

So, even with the restrictions, libraries are moving forward and adopting new technology to further serve their patrons.

Resource Review #6

Miller, Matthew. "Your Kindle Can't Do This." (2009) ZDNet: Tech News, Blogs and White Papers for IT Professionals. Retrieved from: http://blogs.zdnet.com/mobile-gadgeteer/?p=1930&tag=nl.e505

Your Kindle Can't Do This

This article focuses on the Sony Reader 505 and its capability to download library books for a limited period of time. The user must install software and download the books to their computer, then upload them onto their reader. They then have 21 days to use the download until it is removed from their reader. This format gives libraries a more traditional option of lending resources to patrons without the complications of legal issues. Since Kindle has yet to adopt this type of software, libraries cannot offer this service to Kindle users.
However, one of the big claims Amazon makes with Kindle is there is no need for a computer. Books can be downloaded anywhere through the wireless system. However, many of Kindle's competitors do require a computer to download resources. Miller also wrote about this in another article, "Is wireless really even necessary in an ebook reader?" This article claims that there are actually some disadvantages to wireless capability including the tendency of spur-of-the-moment overspending, reduced battery life, and frustrations with the navigation format and low connectivity.
Returning to libraries and Kindles, there seems to be a lot of issues that librarians need to consider before investing in Kindles for their library or in technology to serve patrons with Kindles. There is a lot of potential, but the technology and costs are not quite where they need to be in order to be a viable option for most libraries.
This article was also helpful in pointing toward other ereaders that have capabilities Kindle does not. Especially in the case of libraries, Kindles do not seem like the best option at this time.