By Alyssa Pattison
This fall, four new Kindle e-readers are available to rent at the Elihu Burritt Library for matriculated part-time and full-time students and faculty.
The fourth generation black and white ink display e-readers are pre-loaded with over 80 books from The New York Times bestsellers to non-fiction reads. Jane Austen, the Dalai Lama and Mark Twain are an example of authors who can be found on the pre-downloaded list of titles, along with others like E.L. James (for you 50 Shades fans out there). The e-readers do not allow downloading of new material and textbooks are not included.
Library staff are eager to spread the word about the new Kindles and were excited to offer information about the devices, along with a short tutorial. Currently, only few people know about the option to borrow a Kindle through the school library.
The devices can be borrowed for seven days, and may be renewed for an additional seven days. Kindles may be checked out for a maximum of two weeks and cannot be reserved due to a first come, first serve basis. A $10.00 per day fine can be expected for overdue returns, maxing out at $100.00. Students and faculty with a history of lost or damaged books are not eligible to rent.
Kindles should be returned to staff at the circulation desk as opposed to the book drop, where they may become damaged by heavy textbooks. Students who leave Kindles in the book drop will be billed a $25.00 fee.
Upon returning, Kindles will be inspected for the four key items: The Kindle, USB cord, power adapter and case. If any pieces are not returned, the renter will be billed accordingly, which will include replacement cost as well as a non-refundable processing fee of $25.00.
In the event of damaged equipment, staff will determine if the damage is the result of normal wear and tear. It is not suggested that renters attempt to repair, adjust or alter the e-reader in any way.
While the Kindle e-reader is user-friendly for even the least tech-savvy readers, library staff are available for any questions about the devices and are excited to spread the word about their new addition.
A similar program for Netbook rentals is expected for the future. To check out the fourth generation Kindle e-reader for yourself, visit the circulation desk on the first floor of the library with your Blue Chip card ready to go.