E-books

E-books are the rage with many adults. Are we ready to invest in e-books for our school library/media centers? If so, do we use devices like Nooks, or books accessible through our catalog? Let’s share our experiences!

1. E-Books are great for instruction but not as practical as we would like on a per student level. Many students do not have computer access at home, etc. Gumdrop interactive books seem to be popular, but that is a purchase. There are some free options for instruction (wegivebooks.org). Follett does have some ebooks that students can download the books to their devices (option for BOB).

2. We talked about our experiences with our own children and found that they prefer reading a print book as opposed to e-books. Some students like the personal part of browsing shelves and talking about books with media coordinators. However, we know that students are also motivated by technology. We currently use Nooks for classroom use only, but considering purchasing e-books for students to check out on their own personal devices.

3.Just learned at NCTIES that if we upgrade to Destiny 10, there is now an app available that can be put on open platform devices. Also, using something such as FollettShelf means that we are getting content that is geared towards education. We need to look at which method is most equitable for students. An app that can be put on multiple devices, or just purchasing an eReader. Do we want to get locked in to one device?

While many in our group have a personal e-reader, we have a hard time wrapping our heads around how to use them effectively in a school setting. We need more information on how to effectively incorporate e-readers into instruction.

4. We think the e-books will be a major part of the Middle School media center. However we still feel that print copies will continue to be purchased.

Folletshelf has a limited selection. Overdrive is a subscriptioon based program. Multiple user licenses vs single.