Brannon, S. & Sears
(2014). Textbooks weighing you down? Check out our e-readers. Technical
Services Quarterly, 31(3), 237-247. DOI: 10.1080/07317131.2014.908588 Summary:
Through a grant received by
the University of North Texas, the University Bookstore was able to purchase eReaders
for students who were unable to purchase them to be able to use for accessing
their textbooks in electronic form. Although they distinctly did not set out to
undertake an intense research study analysis of the eReader and electronic text
books program success, it was ultimately necessary as a means to plan for the
future. The idea was to eliminate a
lack of knowledge and fiscal barriers prohibiting the use of eReaders and
electronic textbooks. Overall, the program was a great success but warranted
several changes and adjustments such as implementing a wait list, planning for
early returns, staff training and additional survey and textbook allowance modifications.
It served as a pilot program and due to
its success will be a model for other libraries setting up similar programs in
their libraries.
Evaluation:
This article is valuable in
its practical application of this type of program implementation. It provides
the basis for requiring such an undertaking, the elements of the grant
requirements, application and acquisition. It provides the scenario which
prompted the implementation of both the project and the study, the subsequent
use and outcomes. It also detailed the results of the study and the reasons for
any future adjustments in the program and in the survey itself. This pilot
program and study proves to be a valuable resource for other school, academic
and with possible considerations and alterations even for public libraries.
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