Kindles/E-Readers in the Middle School Media Center

[Janice]

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.

[Stacie Wingate]

I know that my neighboring middle school is thinking of buying a few Kindles or Nooks... trying to decide which platform is better.  In talking with her, there would be a form to go home that would have to be signed by a parent stating replacement costs if damaged, lost, etc... It would also warn parents of the Wi-Fi capabilities, so they know that their child might not be reading but surfing instead when on the e-reader.  She was also thinking about connecting it to their grades as well, sort of a priviledge, but not totally sure about that one...

[Janice]

Thank you for the reply.  We are trying to figure out which ones are ADA accessible since that is a concern in our District.  We were going to roll them out as part of a book discussion program.  We'll see how it goes...

[Teresa Plumer]

I am currently piloting the use of Kindles in my middle school media center.  I purchased 15 Kindles, reserving one for professional items for teachers.  I purchased popular books and loaded them onto the Kindles.  I wrote an acceptable user agreement after looking at several that I found online at other schools (including Buffy Hamilton's).  Parents and students must sign a permission slip accepting responsibility for any loss or damage.  In three days after they became available every Kindle was checked out, and I have a waiting list.  I am thrilled with the program, although it was a lot of work to get it up and running.  I also don't have wi-fi at my school, so I was taking them home to load them with the ebooks from Amazon.  The students using them and their parents are thrilled with the program.  (Our county has a very strict policy against any electronic devices being brought in to school, so this is quite a big thing.)  I hope this helps you.

[Janice]

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.....

[Teresa Plumer]

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.