The Kindles are 3G powered, Wi-Fi enabled, and available for a two-week loan period. The iPad 2’s are Wi-Fi enabled and available for 48-hour loan. Currently, there are five of each device available for checkout from the Library Service Desk. Library staff designed a quick-start guide for those who are unfamiliar with these devices. 

“We are looking to the future needs of students and trying to stay ahead of the curve,” said Justin Ellis of the Library. “As class assignments and coursework increasingly take students outside of the Library, they will now have access to the mobile resources they need.” 

The growing popularity of e-readers and tablet computers sparked a trend among academic libraries to start mobile device loan programs. Ellis added that feedback from students, faculty, and staff will influence the purchase of more Kindles and iPads in the future.

“After we have analyzed the feedback, we may look at extending the loan period for the iPads, as well,” Ellis added.

Library staff also plans to gather feedback from users to determine whether the devices are used primarily for leisure or academic purposes, and to solicit suggestions for e-book and app store purchases. A number of productivity apps and e-books are already installed on each device.

Users can also sign-in to their personal Amazon and iTunes accounts to download content. Please note that users are responsible for any content they download. Upon return, each device will be wiped clean of all user-downloaded content and returned to their original state.

To offer suggestions for iPad 2 apps, email gadgets@library.gatech.edu and for Kindle e-book suggestions email pop@library.gatech.edu.