iPads® in the Library

Book excerpt: Looking for a programming guide for computer tablet use in the library setting? This book provides detailed plans and instructions with specific literacy goals for child, teen, and adult audiences—exactly what librarians seeking to integrate iPad and other tablet use into their programs need. Tablet computers are fast becoming a ubiquitous technology. These devices also represent a unique opportunity for librarians and teachers because they are relatively affordable, easy to configure and maintain, and highly adaptable. Written by a practicing digital literacy instruction librarian who is also a trained children's librarian, this book offers 50 practical programming scenarios that librarians can use to integrate iPads or other tablet devices into their programming, offering different plans for toddlers and pre-K child, school-aged patrons, teenagers, adults, and even seniors. The plans provide easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and are designed to be easily adaptable to serve specific audiences. The book serves as a unique resource that helps librarians address digital literacy and bridge the digital divide by focusing on—and catering to—the needs of many age groups. Author Joel A. Nichols also provides annotated lists of apps that present librarians new to tablet computing simple and effective ways of integrating an iPad into their programs.