My school administration wants to include Kindles/E-readers as part of the Media Center program. I am familiar with Buffy Hamilton's project, but that is on the High School level.
Does anyone out there circulate e-readers at their Middle School? If so, how do you handle damaged and lost items? Where do you get your e-books from? How successful is your program? Any comments will be helpful. Thanks in advance.
Replies
Teresa,
Thank you for replying. It looks likely that my principal will be allowing the e-reader purchases. Now, all I have to do is tackle my Tech department. How did you purchase your titles for the Kindle? There seems to be an issue with having to use a credit card. Is the right? We are an at-risk school district, so there is some concern about replacement fees for lost or damaged e-readers. Do you reserve the right to not check the Kindles out to specific students?????
We also have strict policies in our District concerning electronic devices, so I am surprised that we are purchasing e-readers. I am excited and afraid of this project at the same time. How did you decide on the titles?
Thank you for taking the time to respond.....
Janice,
I have a purchasing card that I use to purchase the ebooks. (Our purchasing department ordered the Kindles, covers and warrantees.) I believe you could purchase Amazon gift cards that you can use to make your purchases. The Kindle is also now available at many retailers--Best Buy, Staples, Target, etc. If you contact Amazon customer service they could probably help you. If you choose to purchase Nooks, you can buy them at Barnes and Nobles stores.
I wrote an acceptable use policy and created a permission slip that parents and students must sign if they wish to borrow a Kindle. It includes rules and states that parents are responsible for paying for any damage or replacement, if the Kindle is broken.
Check out Buffy Hamilton's Unquiet Librarian website and blog. She has many things posted, including forms and videos, that I used as guides.
Good Luck.