Longwood University students can now check out one of the 32 iPads available in Janet D. Greenwood Library’s Multimedia Lab. While Greenwood Library offered two iPads in spring 2013, Tammy Hines, the library’s head of collections and access management, said students can now check out iPads under a
new policy. Regarding why she made the recommendation that the library make iPads available for check- out, Hines said, “We wanted to expose students to the ... technology that [they] will use out in the workplace.”
Hines explained that while MacBooks are popular among students, iPads are now commonly utilized in business settings and are important for students to learn how to use.
According to Hines, the library purchased the iPads under Apple’s educational pricing with lower gigabyte memory. She said the library bought the tablets with the library budget’s equipment trust money, which often funds technology for the library.
Upon turning on one of the library’s iPads, students must choose their preferred language and country or region and then proceed to a short series of set- up options. Students can sign in with their Apple ID, create a new ID or bypass this option altogether.
The iPads include default programs such as FaceTime, Photo Booth, Newsstand, the iTunes store and the App Store; functions such as a calendar, camera, contact list, clock, maps, video storage, notes, reminders, settings, messages and mail; and, of course, a music App.
Ken Vaidan, Greenwood Library’s multimedia specialist, said he is currently updating the 30 new tablets with iOS 7 software. He added that while students can download and use Apps on the iPad, all of the Apps will be wiped clean from the iPad upon its return.
The iPad Use Policy is viewable on the Greenwood Library website. Hines said students can check out the tablets for 72 hours like other multimedia.
Another change is the check- out process for multimedia, including the iPads and other electronics. Students must sign a form claiming responsibility for any damage of the multimedia they check out.
Hines explained, “We’ve had some issues in the past, so we were trying to be proactive.”
According to Hines, the main point of the new check-out procedure is to make sure that both the library staff, which is required to check the condition of multimedia when students return the items and when students check out the items, and the students checking out technology take responsibility. She said that “protecting both parties is what we’re trying to do.”
As for upcoming technology purchases, Hines said replacement items including more projectors (as well as a mini projector), updated camcorders and cameras will be available at the library soon.
Hines said she is looking into adding items such as a book, scanner, which provides a clear scan of books in an upright position, and a Maker Space 3D Printer. However, these technologies are just considerations and are not official purchases yet.
Ultimately, Hines said, "We're trying to stay ahead of what the needs are and put the technology out there so people learn it, but sometimes we don't know what you need. If you have recommendations, we'll take them. I can't guarantee we'll always follow through on them, but a least we'll do the investigation to see if it's feasible.
