Assessment of an iPad Loan Program in an Academic Medical Library: A Case Study

Abstract

An academic medical library expanded its iPad loan service to multiple campus libraries and conducted an assessment of the service. iPads loaded with medical and educational apps were loaned for two-week checkouts from five library campus locations. Device circulation statistics were tracked and users were invited to complete an online survey about their experience. Data were gathered and analyzed for 11 months. The assessment informed the library on how best to adapt the service, including what resources to add to the iPads, and the decision to move devices to campuses with more frequent usage.

KEYWORDS:

• Assessment
• circulation data
• e-readers
• ipads
• tablets
• surveys

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This article was based on a paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Medical Library Association, Chicago, May 19, 2014.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Suzanne Shurtz

Suzanne Shurtz, MLIS, AHIP ([email protected]) is Instructional Services Librarian;

Robin Sewell

Robin Sewell, DVM, MLS, AHIP ([email protected]) is Web & Electronic Access Librarian; and

T. Derek Halling

T. Derek Halling, MLIS, AHIP ([email protected]) is Onsite Services Librarian; all at Medical Sciences Library, Texas A&M University, 4462 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4462.

Becky McKay

Becky McKay, MA, MLIS, AHIP ([email protected]) is Library Services Coordinator, TAMHSC Bryan and Temple Campuses, Sterling C. Evans Library, Texas A&M University, 5000 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-5000.

Catherine Pepper

Catherine Pepper, MLIS, MPH ([email protected]) is Coordinator of Library Field Services, Medical Sciences Library, Texas A&M Health Science Center, 3950 North A.W. Grimes Blvd., Rm. S316A, Round Rock, TX 78665.