Technology Windfall

My technology director has not only made my day, she has made my year! I have $10,000 to purchase handheld devices for my library. Spending this much money is a daunting responsibility. My research has convinced me this money would be best spent on Smart Phones.

Courtney suggests that librarians should support what their patrons already have. Mobile phones are the most common technology there is. More families have mobile phones than have computers. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that my patrons are most familiar with this device. The technology in Smart Phones enables them to do almost everything a computer can, and wirelessly, no less!

With this budget, I could purchase approximately 35-40 Smart Phones, depending upon the price of the exact model I choose. These smart phones will be able to play audio, video, read e-books, take digital pictures and video, and have wireless internet access.

I think having a device that could function as an e-book might entice reluctant readers into the library. I could have phones loaded with specific e-books for students to check out. For safety, I think I might require a signed parent note to be on file so that the parent is aware their student is taking responsibility for this pricey technology.

Beyond using the phone as an e-book, I think its capabilities would open up many creative avenues for students and teachers. Teachers could check out whole class sets of phones at one time to be used in reports or research. Students could snap digital pictures or make digital videos relevant to the subject they are studying. Having a class set will ensure all students have the same technological opportunities, because not all students have access to a digital camera or video camera at home.

This would be a wonderful way to energize the book report. Instead of it being in written format, the student could produce a short video that could serve as the report. The student could simply e-mail it to the teacher to turn it in. Further, the exceptional book reports could be uploaded to a library web site and serve as book reviews that other students could peruse.

Smart Phones would be a wonderful addition to any library. The device is common, and many students will already know how to use it. I only wish this assignment was not hypothetical!