Assessing an e‐reader lending program: from pilot to mainstream service

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess user preferences and perceptions of Texas A&M University Libraries' Kindle e‐book reader lending program, to determine if current lending practices and procedures adequately satisfy user needs.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was administered to library patrons who participated in the first full semester of the e‐reader lending program. Of the 63 individuals who borrowed a Kindle, 52 answered the 13‐question survey designed to elicit their feedback about their experiences borrowing and subsequently using a Kindle to read their requested e‐books. The format of the survey was varied, and included objective and short‐answer questions. When possible, responses included a five‐point Likert scale.FindingsAnalysis of the survey results indicates overall interest and support for the Libraries' e‐reader lending program. Participants mainly utilized Kindles to read popular titles, indicating that the lending program has found a niche within the Libraries' suite of media borrowing services to support leisure reading. Furthermore, from a collection development standpoint, the user‐driven acquisition policy for Kindle titles has served as an extension and virtual enhancement of the popular bestseller print collection.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first qualitative research reports on patron perceptions of an academic library e‐reader lending program. This study is likely to be of practical interest to academic librarians who are in the process of developing similar lending programs.