Big(ger) Kindle News

Greetings all,

Really big news just came out that will undoubtedly impact libraries significantly.

Amazon announced today that they will be releasing a whole series of new Kindles. There will be a Kindle Fire tablet that will compete with iPad for $199. There will be three new e-Ink readers: 1) a Kindle non-touch version for $79; 2) Kindle Touch version for $99; and 3) Kindle Touch 3G for $149.

Here is some early information on this: http://is.gd/Hj3AnU

I assume there will be a lot more information out there on this shortly.

Given that we now have Kindle content via Overdrive (and it is very easy to use), this will mean a huge increase in customers asking questions about and wanting e-books. As such, I will be adding a 15-20 minute demonstration of accessing Kindle books via Overdrive at all of my Monday morning meetings with staff. Stay tuned for more information and locations of those meetings.

In the meantime, take a quick look at the basic information page at Overdrive:

http://is.gd/sGcb3d

Even if you do not have access to a Kindle, you can go through the process and send the book to the Kindle Cloud Reader, which is a web app that allows you to read Kindle books instantly online. It does require an Amazon.com account but does not require that it be attached to any form of payment.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

Thanks,

Mike VC

Online Survey (9/12 to 9/24)

From Monday, September 12^th through Saturday, September 24^th, HPL will be conducting an online survey to collect information about how our customers use the Library’s computers and internet connection, and how this service makes a difference in their lives. This information will help us evaluate our current services and to communicate the value of public access computing. We believe this information will be helpful as we continue to develop our virtual/digital services, as well as provide good information for our access and training efforts provided through WeCAN.

We need your help with getting the word out to our customers, and possibly answering questions about the survey.

· Customers will be encouraged to take the survey through buttons and other messages located on our website.

· The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete, is completely anonymous, and is available in English and Spanish.

· The time to take the survey is part of the 1 hour that customers get through the computer reservation process.

· The survey can be taken from any computer, as long as customers access our website.

· Each location will receive flyers promoting the survey - 5 color flyers for posting, and black and white flyers for customers to take with them. We expect these to arrive at your locations beginning Friday.

o Managers – Please make sure one color flyer is posted at your Service Desk(s) using an 8 ½ x 11 acrylic holder

o Staff Members – at checkout, please ask customers if they have taken the survey, and provide them with a black and white flyer if they haven’t.

§ Let them know that we are looking for their input about how our electronic services make a difference in their lives.

For more information about the survey, and to access a copy of the survey questions, please visit the HPL intranet site at: https://hplnet.hpl.lib.tx.us/library-survey.html.

I apologize for the short notice. The opportunity to participate in the survey was made available to us about a week ago. To participate, we had to launch the survey no later than September 12^th.

Thank you for your help in making this survey as success! Please let me know if you have any questions.