Assessing User Preferences to Circulate iPads in an Academic Medical Library

Librarians at Texas A&M University's Medical Sciences Library gathered input from 100 patrons about a potential iPad circulation project. Participants were asked to explore an iPad loaded with a sample of resources and to complete a survey. Information collected included (1) patron's profile, (2) preferred iPad check-out period, (3) how the iPad would be used, and (4) preferred applications. Results indicated high patron interest in iPad check-out for supporting classwork, searching the Internet, using apps, and reading e-books. Librarians used results to create an iPad check-out program. User feedback is instrumental to libraries developing services with mobile devices.