Chapel Hill Public Library allows patrons to check out e-readers

When it comes to technological resources, the Chapel Hill Public Library is working to stay one page ahead.

In December, the library ­— which is currently housed in University Mall while its Library Drive location is renovated — implemented an e-reader pilot program to allow patrons to check out Kindle e-readers for three weeks at a time.

The library currently has five Kindles available, but Meeghan Rosen, head of technical services for the library, said that number could increase if an evaluation in July shows that demand is not being met.

Kindles allow users to buy and read books, newspapers and magazines on their electronic tablet.

Rosen said the Kindles, which come pre-loaded with popular e-books, are already popular among patrons, and many patrons have the devices on hold.

Library Board of Trustees Chairwoman Martha Diefendorf said the program offers advantages to the community.

“You can try it and see if you like it,” she said. “People can download books or have access to information without leaving their house.”

Diefendorf said support for the program came primarily from a Chapel Hill Library Foundation fund meant to equip the library with 21st century features.

Chapel Hill Town Council member Matt Czajkowski said he also made a donation to the program in honor of his mother, who passed away in December 2010 and enjoyed reading on Kindles.

Czajkowski said he originally opposed funding for the project because he thought e-readers were not an economic priority, but he now appreciates their light weight and environmentally friendly features.

“The way I looked at it, there were almost no drawbacks,” he said. “We learned over time that we were developing quite a family archive.”

The library already offers e-books that anyone who owns a Kindle or compatible device can download and read.

Rosen said the Kindle borrowing program could expose those who don’t already own a tablet to a new way to read.

“We are hoping people will use them to become more familiar with the technology.”

As Chapel Hill invests in e-readers, UNC is also looking into the technology.

Davis Library is currently testing Kindles, Chad Haefele, emerging technologies librarian, said, but has not made them available for loan yet.

He said that the University will soon release a survey for faculty and students to gauge demand for the new technologies.

Gary Marchionini, dean of the School of Information and Library Science, said while e-books are gaining popularity, it’s unlikely that they will replace traditional books.

“I believe that books and e-books on many platforms will co-exist for the foreseeable future,” he said.

But Stephanie Brown said she thinks e-readers will be widely used among future generations of college students.

“When sixth graders get here, they will be using Kindles,” she said.

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