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The Daily OrangeLibraries add Kindle to collection in pilot program
By Kimberley Banjoko
Posted: 10/1/09, 3:53 AM EST Section: News
Syracuse University is offering students a chance to use the Kindle DX, Amazon.com's e-book reader, for free as a way to view textbooks.
The SU libraries launched a pilot program Sept. 24 for students to use the Kindle DX. Currently, the university has only two of these electronic book readers available. Students can borrow a Kindle DX from either E.S. Bird or Carnegie Library. Both libraries loan the e-reader for a 24-hour period.
The material already downloaded on the Kindle DX can read e-books ranging from English to engineering.
"Since being introduced at Bird Library last Thursday, it has been taken out only three times," said Charlie Russo, learning commons supervisor at Bird.
"Once word really gets out, those numbers will increase," Russo said. "I think we will end up getting more because it's going to become very popular."
The Kindle DX is an electronic reading device that can store hundreds of books, articles and other forms of print literature. The e-reader is an improved version of the Kindle and Kindle 2.0. It mimics the experience of reading a book with electronic ink technology, eliminating the glaring effect that most computers and monitors have.
Based on student response, the SU Libraries will decide whether to expand the Kindle DX to more locations, offer more of the e-book readers and extend the available content within the device, Russo said.
"For free, I would say [the Kindle DX] is fine," said Harmen Rockler, an undecided freshman. "I've seen people using them on the train, and I think 'Wow, that could be really useful.' It is a great idea."
The device can also decrease waste and pollution created from printing books, said Charlie Russo, learning commons supervisor.
Students will be able to access books for subjects such as computer sciences and information technology, among others. Students are encouraged to take out the device and provide feedback through comment cards during this pilot period, according to an SU Library news release.
The Kindle DX will be equipped with a free wireless connection through Amazon.com's book source, WhisperNet. The Kindle's competitors include the Sony Reader, the Samsung Papyrus and the iPhone's e-reader application. The Kindle DX currently costs $489.
kebanjok@syr.edu
The SU libraries launched a pilot program Sept. 24 for students to use the Kindle DX. Currently, the university has only two of these electronic book readers available. Students can borrow a Kindle DX from either E.S. Bird or Carnegie Library. Both libraries loan the e-reader for a 24-hour period.
The material already downloaded on the Kindle DX can read e-books ranging from English to engineering.
"Since being introduced at Bird Library last Thursday, it has been taken out only three times," said Charlie Russo, learning commons supervisor at Bird.
"Once word really gets out, those numbers will increase," Russo said. "I think we will end up getting more because it's going to become very popular."
The Kindle DX is an electronic reading device that can store hundreds of books, articles and other forms of print literature. The e-reader is an improved version of the Kindle and Kindle 2.0. It mimics the experience of reading a book with electronic ink technology, eliminating the glaring effect that most computers and monitors have.
Based on student response, the SU Libraries will decide whether to expand the Kindle DX to more locations, offer more of the e-book readers and extend the available content within the device, Russo said.
"For free, I would say [the Kindle DX] is fine," said Harmen Rockler, an undecided freshman. "I've seen people using them on the train, and I think 'Wow, that could be really useful.' It is a great idea."
The device can also decrease waste and pollution created from printing books, said Charlie Russo, learning commons supervisor.
Students will be able to access books for subjects such as computer sciences and information technology, among others. Students are encouraged to take out the device and provide feedback through comment cards during this pilot period, according to an SU Library news release.
The Kindle DX will be equipped with a free wireless connection through Amazon.com's book source, WhisperNet. The Kindle's competitors include the Sony Reader, the Samsung Papyrus and the iPhone's e-reader application. The Kindle DX currently costs $489.
kebanjok@syr.edu
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