iPads® in the Library: Using Tablet Technology to Enhance Programs for All Ages: Using Tablet Technology to Enhance Programs for All Ages

by Joel A. Nichols

Overview

Tablet computers are fast becoming a ubiquitous technology. These devices also represent a unique opportunity for librarians and teachers because they are relatively affordable, easy to configure and maintain, and highly adaptable. Written by a practicing digital literacy instruction librarian who is also a trained children's librarian, this book offers 50 practical programming scenarios that librarians can use to integrate iPads or other tablet devices into their programming, offering different plans for toddlers and pre-K child, school-aged patrons, teenagers, adults, and even seniors.

The plans provide easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and are designed to be easily adaptable to serve specific audiences. The book serves as a unique resource that helps librarians address digital literacy and bridge the digital divide by focusing on—and catering to—the needs of many age groups. Author Joel A. Nichols also provides annotated lists of apps that present librarians new to tablet computing simple and effective ways of integrating an iPad into their programs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610693486
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	06/13/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	136
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Joel A. Nichols, MA, MSLIS, is data strategies manager at the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Editorial Reviews

02/01/2014
Written for librarians and other library staff, this title provides a wide variety of iPad-based program ideas. Following an explanation for developing and using this type of technology in the library, the introduction further explains the organization of the book and includes suggestions for substituting other tablet devices if iPads are not available. There is a chapter on app selection, limitations, restrictions, and tips for using iTunes. Nichols also includes a list of review sources for selecting apps and offers guidelines for selection. A chapter on program ideas for each age group includes a broad variety of carefully planned programs, complete with goals, apps needed, planning notes, a list of complementary materials for enhancing the lesson, detailed step-by-step instructions, and program extension ideas. Adaptations for other types of devices direct readers to utilize the lessons regardless of the availability of iPads. Preschool programs include activities to develop literacy skills and stress the importance of one-on-one interaction, as well as face-to-face games and storytime activities. School-age programs include folktales, research, and cartooning, while teen programming explores building skills with photo and video and graphic design. Adult programming is geared to practical skills for ESL learners and job skills. Various screen shots are included, but these are dark and grainy, adding little to the otherwise useful and well-organized text. Appendix A lists apps alphabetically, while Appendix B lists them by subject area.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

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