We started to brainstorm this. Will continue on Dec. 22.
Here are some ideas that came from the last conversation:
- purpose: so that library staff are familiar with iPads, iPod touch, Kindles, etc.... students are using these more often and coming to the desk with them
- perhaps two weeks is about the right amount of time for one staff person to keep an iPad (so that more people have a chance)
- it shouldn't be limited to professional staff, support staff should also have a chance
- we could make a checklist of tasks for staff to try out with the iPad/Kindle
- we could have them answer a few survey questions or make specific comments when they return
- we could erase the iPad completely between uses and start fresh with a defined set of apps
- we could have a few free or paid ebooks that we've purchased loaded on to the device for people to try
- we could give people the option to associate the device with their own iTunes or Amazon account and load their own ebooks and apps (the ebooks and apps stay with their account for use on other devices after we erase and reset the device)
- maybe we could set up a calendar list and it's first/come first/served to reserve a particular 2-week period
- how many devices? right now we have one extra iPad (was Allison's, then Bill's), Darcy might also contribute hers, so we could have two. We could also use the oldest Kindle 1 that's currently on loan to the public. Replace it with a newer Kindle.
- we need to figure out a way to make the staff loan process easy for UX staff
Thoughts from Nicole:
- maybe we could use a wiki page with a calendar on it for the reservations. People could fill in their own name on certain dates.
- would there be a way to use our event registration system on Wordpress to handle these staff loans?
- who would be responsible for erasing it on return? maybe each person does it themselves... we give them an instruction sheet.
- who would be responsible for setting it up fresh for the next person?
- what happens if they return it late?
- can we send auto-reminders? mail-to-the-future system?
- it would be good if they know who the next person is, so they know who the next person is who is counting on it.
- what if someone decides not to borrow it when they reserved it?
- where do we keep these? should Joanne be the keeper? a special locked cabinet in UX/Barker space? Maybe Tuesdays could be the return day, since Joanne is in UX on Tuesdays.
- If we begin Dec. 7-21, then there are the following slots:
Dec. 21 - Jan 4 (does it matter over the furlough?)
Jan. 4 - 18
Jan. 18 - Feb. 1
Feb. 1 - 15
Feb. 15 - Mar. 1
Mar. 1 - 15
Mar. 15 - 29
Mar. 29 - April 12
April 12 - 26
April 26 - May 10
May 10 - 24
Stop at that point and evaluate how it's going. - That adds up to 12 slots. If we have 2 iPads and 2 Kindles (or 1 Kindle, 1 Nook), then there are 4 devices. That gives 48 staff a chance to borrow something.