iPad, iPad mini, Kindle, Nook???

[Alison McKenzie]

Hi everyone,

I'm the media specialist at a MS/HS.  I have students grades 5-12.  In putting together a plan for the library and a wish list for my budget I was hoping you all could provide some input.

Ultimately I'd like to purchase ebooks and have devices students can check out.  I'm not interested in preloading these devices.  Ideally students could check out books from the library through the device they borrow.  Currently we use Folletts Digital Shelf.  With the upcoming upgrades anyone with a decent browser can download the ebooks without needing an app.  What is everyone's thoughts on the devices currently available and how have things worked out in your library?

Thanks!

Alison McKenzie

[Paula O'Rourke]

Alison,

I bought 6 nook color ereaders last year in the hope that students would be able to download ebooks from Follett Shelf but even with the current updates from Follett, that still is not possible.  Even though the nook color devices can access the Internet and thus can access Follett shelf, the interface is not ideal for easy reading.  The updated Follett digital reader app is only downloadable to computers, laptops and supported tablets that are Android 2.0 and higher.  Nook Colors are only Android 1.4.3.  I could root the devices but that voids the warranty and I'm a little nervous about doing that.  I'm not sure about the nook simple touch ereaders as an option but I'd look into only buying ereaders that support the Follett Digital Reader if you want students to download ebooks from Follett Shelf.

Hope this helps you decide!

Paula

[Alison McKenzie]

Paula,

Your response definitely helped!  I'll have to keep in mind what OS each device runs.  Seems like there are some stumbling blocks with the newness of ebooks and the devices.

Paula O'Rourke said:

Alison,

I bought 6 nook color ereaders last year in the hope that students would be able to download ebooks from Follett Shelf but even with the current updates from Follett, that still is not possible.  Even though the nook color devices can access the Internet and thus can access Follett shelf, the interface is not ideal for easy reading.  The updated Follett digital reader app is only downloadable to computers, laptops and supported tablets that are Android 2.0 and higher.  Nook Colors are only Android 1.4.3.  I could root the devices but that voids the warranty and I'm a little nervous about doing that.  I'm not sure about the nook simple touch ereaders as an option but I'd look into only buying ereaders that support the Follett Digital Reader if you want students to download ebooks from Follett Shelf.

Hope this helps you decide!

Paula

[Paula O'Rourke]

Alison,

I'd like to correct some information that I posted.  The Nook Color e-readers are based on Android OS 2.2 but unfortunately the ability to download apps other than those from the B & N store is blocked.  It's the software that is version 1.4.3. I'm looking into buying an sd card to convert the nooks to full android capability.  I've viewed  these websites so far but haven't made a decision:

http://n2acards.com

www.nookrootedcards.com

www.androidfornook.com