Final Paper

1. Running Head: E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 1
E-readers and libraries
17:610:550
Beth Bouwman
Professor Joe Sanchez
12/17/09
ebouwman@eden.rutgers.edu

2. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 2
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................3
Overview of topic.......................................................................................................................4
Description of e-readers............................................................................................................4
E-readers in libraries today......................................................................................................6
• What types of libraries use e-readers..............................................................7
• What kind of e-readers are used......................................................................7
• How and why libraries acquire e-readers.......................................................8
• How libraries chose titles..................................................................................9
• Guidelines for borrowing.................................................................................10
• Reaction to e-reader borrowing programs.....................................................12
• Legal issues........................................................................................................12
Conclusions.................................................................................................................................13
References...................................................................................................................................14

3. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 3
Abstract
This paper discusses e-readers and the differences and similarities between the most popular
three types: the Amazon Kindle, the Sony Reader, and the Barnes & Noble Nook. As these
devices gain popularity, many public, academic, and school libraries have added them to their
collections. As recent additions to the catalog, these devices also pose both new problems and
new opportunities. Beyond deciding whether or not to carry them, libraries must consider
whether or not the price is a deterrent, what titles to download, and who should be allowed to
borrow the devices and for how long. There are also possible legal issues in lending out these
new commercial gadgets. This paper explores all of these issues and discusses how different
libraries have created different strategies for dealing with them. Finally, this paper also
considers the future of e-readers and whether or not libraries should or will continue to offer
them to their patrons.

4. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 4
Overview of topic
E-readers are devices that allow users to read digitized books without a computer.
Because they store books in their memory, not paper, they can hold hundreds (or thousands,
depending on the model) of books while still being lightweight and portable. E-readers have
recently gained popularity, putting libraries on notice. How does an institution accustomed to
lending physical books deal with a public that is beginning to gravitate away from physical
books and towards e-readers? As e-readers show no sign of fading away, this is a pressing issue
that should be dealt with. I chose this topic specifically because of the topicality of the issue and
the potential libraries have to increase their relevancy by embracing these devices.
Description of e-readers

5. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 5
Although e-readers are not a new technology, they have only recently become popular.
Today, there are three major e-readers available: the Kindle, the Sony Reader, and the recently-
released Nook. Currently, the Kindle is the most popular. Visually, all of the flagship models of
these readers seem fairly similar (particularly as their
marketing departments
all tend to favor the
same “e-reader being
held by disembodied
hands” photograph
style). All three e-
readers are of a similar
size and have a main screen of e-paper surrounded by a
plastic bezel. Page turn buttons are on the sides (both
sides for the Kindle and Nook; right only for the Sony Reader Pocket Edition). The Kindle has a
small physical keyboard, and the Nook has a small color LCD touch screen under the e-paper,
but it is still difficult to distinguish these devices from each other if you squint. Pricing is also
similar. The newest versions of the Kindle are $259 for the 6’’ screen and $489 for a larger 9.7”
DX version (Amazon Kindle). Sony’s mainstream Pocket Edition sells for $199, its Touch
Edition costs $299, and its 7’’ Reader Daily Edition (meant to compete with the Kindle DX) is
$499 (All Reader Digital Books). The Barnes and Noble Nook has only one version currently,
which it is selling for $259, exactly the price of the 6’’ Kindle (Nook, eBook reader, eReader).

6. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 6
version currently, which it is selling for $259, exactly the price of the 6’’ Kindle (Nook, eBook
reader, eReader).
Though these e-readers do not differ substantially in looks, they do have varying features. The
Nook stands out from the other e-readers with its replaceable
battery, SD slot (allowing users to store myriad more books), and
novel feature allowing users to share books with other users for
short periods of time (Griffey). Though the Kindle offers none
of these features, it has its own perks. For example, its new text-
to-speech program allows users to hear any publication (that the
publisher has
allowed) to
be read
aloud in a passable robotic voice
(Amazon Kindle). Both the
Kindle and the Nook have the advantages of large book,
newspaper, and magazine selections through the Amazon and
Barnes & Noble online stores, respectively. Sony Readers may
not be backed by a bookselling giant, but they, too, have their
benefits. Sony has a partnership with Google Books, giving
users “access to over a million free public domain titles” (All reader digital books). They also
accept many more file formats than other e-readers, including Word files, Adobe digital editions,
and the ePub/ACS4 format (All reader digital books). This allows the Sony Reader to download
e-books from libraries, thus greatly extending its usability and affordability. Libraries that

7. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 7
already provide e-book downloads can provide Sony Readers without worrying about paying
extra for e-reader content. Unlike the Nook and the Kindle, however, most Sony Readers cannot
wirelessly download books. Only the expensive, recently released Sony Reader Daily Edition
has this option. Other versions must rely on computer downloads. Sony Readers also have SD
slots, like the Nook (All reader digital books).
E-readers in libraries today
Though unheard of a few years ago, libraries are capitalizing on this new technology to
offer more services to their users. “The Sparta Library likes to be on the technological cutting
edge, and our patrons like us to be there too,” says the assistant director of a library offering e-
readers (Diane Lapsley, personal communication, November 2, 2009). Offering e-readers for
checkout, however, creates new problems for libraries. Issues such as whether or not it is
appropriate to offer an e-reader, what type(s) of e-readers to acquire, how to pay for these e-
readers, how to pick titles, what borrowing procedures should be, and possible legal problems
are all pressing concerns. Despite these setbacks, many libraries have met these issues and
formed their own methods to solve them.
What types of libraries use e-readers
Although lending e-readers is still uncommon, the libraries that are doing so
represent many types of libraries. Public libraries such as the Sparta Public
Library in New Jersey, school libraries like Madison High School in
South Dakota, and academic libraries like North Carolina State
University all has e-reader lending programs (Libraries lending out
Kindles). The Cushing Academy (a private boarding high school with
plenty of funding) has not just offered e-readers as a supplement to

8. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 8
their collection, but actually replaced most of it with 65 Kindles (Toppo). Though elementary
and middle schools may not want to risk their children damaging expensive equipment, libraries
dealing with teenagers and adults may find lending e-readers an exciting and intriguing option.
What kinds of e-readers are used?
Most libraries lending e-readers lend the Amazon Kindle. According to Diane Lapsley,
the assistant director of the Sparta Library, her library chose the Kindle because they “we felt
that with the downloading capabilities it would be much easier to use, and that turned out to be
true” (personal communication, November 2, 2009). Mary White, the director of the Howe
Public Library, said that she chose the Kindle because “at the time that was one of the best
options out there” (personal communication, November 2, 2009). White was open, however, to
other options that might be released in the future. The Kindle’s enormous library, easy wireless
downloading, and considerable commercial success likely have also contributed to its popularity
in libraries.
The Kindle is not, however, the only e-reader currently in library circulation. Many
libraries instead lend out the Sony Reader, such as the Broward County Library in Florida
(Broward County commission libraries division). Some libraries even lend out both Sony
Readers and Kindles (Libraries lending out Kindles). The Kindle, however, is vastly more
popular and the Nook has yet to appear in collections (possibly because Barnes & Noble only has
a limited supply and is shipping htem out slowly). Part of the Kindle’s success in libraries may
be because it has been out longer than some other readers. As the Nook matures and gains
popularity, it may begin to replace or supplement the Kindle at certain libraries. Mary White, for
example, is interested in possibly adding one to her collection (personal communication,

9. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 9
November 2, 2009). As Sony produces new models, such as the recently release Sony Reader
Daily Edition, its e-readers may also begin to appear in greater numbers.
How and why libraries acquire e-readers
All e-readers are expensive. Add in the cost of downloading books to the device, and
lending out even one e-reader can be prohibitively expensive. This has not stopped libraries
from starting lending programs, however. Many have found creative solutions to this quagmire.
Some libraries use donated e-readers, such as the libraries at Penn State. Eager for the
opportunity to study how e-readers can be used in an academic setting, Sony donated 100 e-
readers to the university in exchange for the University’s cooperation in the study (Libraries and
English Department Partner). The Mead Public Library in Wisconsin bought its five Kindles
“with funds from the
William R. Werk Estate,
designated for materials
that assist the visually
impaired,” emphasizing the
Kindle’s capability to read
certain publications out
loud (Kindles at Mead
Library). The Sparta
Library used their gift fund to purchase their Kindles (Diane Lapsley, personal communication,
November 2, 2009). Other libraries justify the cost of the hardware by the fact that the books
themselves tend to be cheaper. “New Kindles run from $200 to $500, but [Cushing Academy’s

10. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 10
headmaster] says he can purchase many e-titles much more cheaply than traditional books. Often
he pays just $5 apiece, so for the price of a $30 hardback, he now orders six e-books” (Toppo).
Beyond price, however, is the question over why libraries should lend e-readers. For the
Cushing Academy, adding Kindles to their library was a way to appeal to their tech-savvy
students and to prepare for them for the digital future (Toppo). Cushing’s headmaster also
believes that digital access to library works is the only way to save the future of libraries from
being obscure and obsolete (Toppo). Brigham Young University started its Kindle program in
order to provide faculty with titles they normally would have to order through interlibrary loan.
By buying and downloading these titles onto Kindles, faculty was able to access the publications
they wanted in minutes, not days (Haddock). Other libraries choose e-readers simply to engage
their patrons and to allow them to sample new technology.
How libraries chose titles

11. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 11
There is no set formula for choosing e-books to download, or how to organize these
downloads. Universities and high school libraries may choose e-reader titles that fit in with
academic curriculum, or faculty interest. The Howe Public Library considers its title selection
process “very casual” and puts the same several titles on each of its Kindles (May White,
personal communication, November 2, 2009). The Sparta Public Library allows its patrons to
chose and download titles onto their Kindles. Each patron can download one e-book for no
charge, though they have to pay for any additional downloads. According to Diane Lapsley, this
leads to “a really patron-driven
collection” that benefits everyone
who borrows a Kindle (personal
communication, November 2,
2009). It also allows the library to
sidestep the issue of what titles to
pick and how to organize them.
Most libraries, however, rely on
librarians to chose titles and only
lend e-readers with download capabilities turned off. Some libraries,
such as the Bowdoin College library, put all available titles from each e-
reader type on all the e-readers of that type that they lend (Kindle Titles). Other libraries
organize titles by different subjects. The Weyenberg Library, for example, has a Kindle for
fiction, a Kindle for nonfiction, and a “reader’s sample” Kindle (Weyenberg Library now offers
3 Kindles). The River Forest Public Library in Illinois also organizes titles by subject, but goes
further to include such specialized e-readers as “the Popular Fiction Kindle, the Popular Non-

12. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 12
Fiction Kindle, the Mystery and Suspense Kindle, the Leadership Non-Fiction Kindle, and the
History Non-Fiction Kindle” (Kindle).
Guidelines for borrowing
Borrowing a Kindle or a Sony reader tends to be more involved than borrowing a book.
Most libraries add extra restrictions on to borrowing these devices. For example, many libraries,
such as the Howe Library, require patrons be at least 18 years old (personal communication,
November 2, 2009). Libraries often limit the period of time the e-readers can be borrowed, such
as the one week limit at the
Gardner –Harvey Library at
the Miami University
Middletown campus
(Burke). Libraries like the
Howe Library also require
users to sign a special
agreement acknowledging
financial responsibility for
any damages or loss to the e-reader (personal communication, November 2,
2009). The Sparta Public Library also requires patrons to pay for damages,
but the assistant director notes that they have “never experienced any losses or damage (I know!
We can't believe it either!)” (Diane Lapsley, personal communication, November 2, 2009). The
Mead Library also has security measures in place, requiring an ID in addition to a library card in
order to take out a Kindle (Kindles at Mead Library). Late fees are high, at the rate of five
dollars for every hour the library is open (Kindles at Mead Library). Some libraries also have at

13. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 13
least one device that can only be used within the library, such as the River Forest Public Library
(Kindles).
Reaction to e-reader borrowing programs
The response to these programs has been astounding. At the Sparta Public Library, for
example, a waiting list of 20 or more patrons is not unusual (Diane Lapsley, personal
communication, November 2, 2009). Offering e-readers may bring new users into the library
and excited patrons who have not used the library recently. Patrons enjoy on “the technological
cutting edge” (Diane Lapsley, personal communication, November 2, 2009). The Howe Library
notes that its patrons enjoy being able to play with the new technology and have not minded the
relatively low number of titles (only 14) or restrictions on borrowing (Mary White, personal
communication, November 2, 2009).
Legal issues
Even after a library has decided to buy an e-reader, found money to pay for it, bought
titles, and worked out borrowing terms, its problems may not yet be over. Though Sony seems
to have no problem with libraries lending out its products (as evidenced by their previously-
mentioned gift to Penn State), Amazon seems ambivalent about the process. Their terms of
service are vague and may preclude libraries lending the device. The Kindle TOS has shut at
least one program down: Brigham Young University suspended lending Kindles to faculty last
June because they could not get permission from Amazon in writing (Haddock). Amazon has
been inconsistent in deciding this issue. According to an article in Library Journal, one Amazon
spokesman declared library borrowing against the TOS, while another Amazon representative
cleared the Howe Library to lend Kindles (Oder). Most libraries have had difficulty, however,
even getting hold of anyone at Amazon to talk to. According to Mary White, every time she

14. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 14
calls Amazon she “merely gets a recorded message” (personal communication, November 2,
2009). Though this lack of communication is worrying, there is no history, of Amazon taking
any action against libraries. As lending programs began over a year ago, it is increasingly
unlikely that Amazon will take action in the future.
Conclusions
At this point in time, it is difficult to accurately guess the future of e-readers. The
technology is fairly new and no library has had a program for more than a couple years. It is
likely, however, that e-books and e-readers will continue to exist, and continue to be popular. If
libraries are to continue to appeal to an increasingly technology-savvy public, they will need to
add new technologies such as e-readers to their collections. It is unlikely, however, that e-
readers will ever completely supplant books. Even Cushing Academy, the school that is
replacing most of its collection with Kindles, still has some printed books and other materials
that they do plan on discarding (Oder). Though it is impossible to tell for sure, the future will
likely include both books, e-readers, and e-books downloaded onto computers and mobile
phones.

15. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 15
References
(n.d.). All Reader Digital Books. Retrieved from http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/
servlet/CategoryDisplay?
catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644523779&N=4
294954529
(2007, January 10). Broward County commission libraries division announces
new Sony Readers now available at Broward County library. Retrieved from
http://www.browardlibrary.org/web/PR/11007_sonyreader.pdf
Burke, J. (2009, September 4). The Kindle is here! Message posted to
http://ghlibrarynews.blogspot.com/
Griffey, J. (2009, October 21). Barnes & Noble’s Nook steps into the ring with Kindle.
Message posted to http://www.alatechsource.org/blog
Haddock, M. (2009, June 20). BYU suspends Kindle program over legal concerns. Deseret
News. Retrieved from http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705310939/BYU-suspends-
Kindle-program-over-legal-concerns.html
(n.d.). Kindles. Retrieved from http://www.rflib.org/books-and-media/kindles
(n.d.). Kindles at Mead Library. Retrieved from
http://www.meadpubliclibrary.org/books/kindle
(n.d.). Kindle Titles. Retrieved from http://library.bowdoin.edu/ebooks/kindle-titles.shtml
(n.d.). Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation).
Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-
Generation/dp/B0015T963C/ref=dp_ob_title_def

16. E-READERS AND LIBRARIES 16
(n.d.). Libraries and English Department Partner in Exploration of Digital Readers. Retrieved
from http://alumni.libraries.psu.edu/libtodaySony.html
(n.d) Nook, eBook reader, eReader. Retrieved from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/
(2009, June 16). Libraries lending out Kindle. Retrieved from
http://ireaderreview.com/2009/06/16/libraries-lending-kindle/
Oder, N. (2009, April 12). Mixed answers to “Is it OK for a library to lend a Kindle? Library
Journal. Retrieved from http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705310939/BYU-
suspends-Kindle-program-over-legal-concerns.html
Toppo, G. School chooses Kindle; are libraries for the history 'books'? USA Today. Retrieved
from http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-10-26-kindle-school-library_N.htm
(n.d.). Weyenberg Library now offers 3 Kindles. Retrieved from
http://www.flwlib.org/news.cfm?id=132