iCan - Tablets in Youth Spaces

1. YSS iCan Panel
Tablets in Youth Spaces
Presented by
Emily Farrell &
James Hutter
of the
Westbury Memorial Public Library

2. Why use Tablets in a Library?
• Exciting and Cool Technology!
• Portable! - We want our kids and
parents to go to a quiet corner of the
library and spend time together
• Perfect for story time! – Audio and
Interactiveness

4. Our Philosophy...
• We wanted something cutting edge
and fun to use.
• Easy for parents to use with their
children and share an experience.
• Could be used anywhere in our
library. We did not want to tether our
tablets to a dedicated station.

6. Why use Apple iPads?
• At the time – Easy to use (compared to
Android)
• Staff were comfortable using iOS
• Patrons had some familiarity with iOS
• A huge selection of Apps available
• The availability of interactive Storybooks

8. Cases...
• We used the iGuy Speck Case – Is
large, rubberized, has “appendages”.
It is very easy for smaller children to
grasp and handle and there are no
fears about drops.
• Cases are fun looking and bright – We
can scan around the library and
where they are located and used.

10. The Nitty Gritty... Policy Fun!
• Each iPad is barcoded and checked out to a patron.
Either a Children's Card, Adult Card, Adult Photo ID or
School ID can be used. If Patron is not in the system, we
will check out the iPad to a “Dummy Account.”
• We record the names of borrowers for Statistics and
destroy logs at the end of the month.
• Out-of-District Residents may borrow an iPad.
• No special permission needed to borrow an iPad.
• For Library Use Only – Can't be brought home (yet!).

11. The Nitty Gritty... (continued)
• Internet is blocked for Children's iPads
• Internet is NOT blocked for Teen iPads
• Camera is blocked for Children but not for
Teens (think: Instagram)
• See our Handout on Enabling Restrictions
for Apple iPads (This handout is Teen-
focused)

13. App Selection (This is Critical)
• We utilize a healthy mix of educational
and entertainment apps.
• Social Media Apps are permitted for
Teens. We instruct them to SIGN OUT
when done using an App.
• All Apps are purchased based upon “Age
Appropriateness.” For the Children's
Library, we only purchase Apps that have a
rating of 4+ or 9+.

15. App Selection
• 4+ Applications in this category contain no
objectionable material.
• 9+ Applications in this category may
contain mild or infrequent occurrences of
cartoon, fantasy or realistic violence, and
infrequent or mild mature, suggestive, or
horror-themed content which may not be
suitable for children under the age of 9.

16. App Selection
• We choose games based upon
popularity and age appropriateness.
• Very often (and this is highly
recommended), we test the Apps out
ourselves.
• Book and Author Apps are often
reviewed in Kirkus / SLJ / PW.

19. How to Purchase Apps
• As of now, there is no easy way to manage iPad
content.
• The Apple Software for loading content is
terrible – Apple is supposed to improve this
soon.
• We create iTunes accounts and link 5 iPads per
account.
• Gift Cards are purchased and loaded onto iTunes
Accounts. We track all purchases for Accounting.

20. Keepin' it Fresh...
• You CAN NOT purchase a bunch of Apps
once a year and say “project complete!”
• You must constantly load new Apps onto
these devices and get feedback from your
users.
• Track stats! The barcode method works
well for us and helps us to secure funding.
8,500+ users in 2 years!

21. Going Forward...
• Apps, Apps, Apps!
• Usability! Free those iPads!
• Interactive Story Times!
• More patron participation in Library's social
media presence!
#westburylibrary
#librarybuilt
#WestburyTeenZone
#DIYFriday

23. Thank You! Any Questions?
Emily Farrell
emilyfarrell@westburylibrary.org
James Hutter
jameshutter@westburylibrary.org