Assessing User Preferences to Circulate iPads in an Academic Medical Library

Abstract

Librarians at Texas A&M University's Medical Sciences Library gathered input from 100 patrons about a potential iPad circulation project. Participants were asked to explore an iPad loaded with a sample of resources and to complete a survey. Information collected included (1) patron's profile, (2) preferred iPad check-out period, (3) how the iPad would be used, and (4) preferred applications. Results indicated high patron interest in iPad check-out for supporting classwork, searching the Internet, using apps, and reading e-books. Librarians used results to create an iPad check-out program. User feedback is instrumental to libraries developing services with mobile devices.

KEYWORDS:

• applications
• apps
• e-books
• iPads
• medicine
• mobile devices
• nursing
• veterinary medicine

Notes

n = 100.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Suzanne Shurtz

Suzanne Shurtz, MLIS, AHIP ([email protected]) is Instructional Services Librarian, Medical Sciences Library, Texas A&M University, 4462 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4462.

T. Derek Halling

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

Becky McKay

Becky McKay, MA, MLIS, AHIP ([email protected]) is the Bryan Campus Librarian, Medical Sciences Library, Texas A&M University, 4462 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4462.