How Libraries Circulate iPads

Examples of current Early Literacy iPad projects (click images to go to their website)

Arlington Heights Circulating iPad Overview

The iPads are pre-loaded with apps for ages 2 to 14 and apps for children with special needs, such as Tap to Talk.  We include an annotated list of apps and directions on the basics of how to use the iPad. A customer must have an Arlington Heights Library card to check out the iPad.  The only information we take is their library barcode.  There is no age-restriction.  The packaging on the case notes that the customer will be responsible for full replacement costs.  The iPads check out for 1 week with a $0.25 a day late fee.  The iPad for library use only can be checked out for two hours.  We limit to one iPad per card.  When they are checked in, our IT team figured out a quick and easy way for us to plug them in, wipe out data from the previous customer, and restore our default settings.

Darien Library Circulating iPad Overview

The kits include an iPad 2 that has been pre-loaded with apps geared towards ages 2 to 5, a guide to using digital technology with children, an annotated list of the selected apps, general information on early literacy skills, and tips for parents on selecting quality apps for kids. The kits also include a liability form with a breakdown of the cost of the entire kit (the iPad itself, the case, the canvas bag it circulates in.) The liability form basically asks the patron to acknowledge that they are taking responsibility for the kit and should it be lost, broken, or simply not returned, their library card will be charged the full amount (roughly $650.)