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.