Amidst the buzz surrounding the pending Apple iPad release, university officials said they have already been exploring ways to use e-reader technology to students' advantage.
The Pattee and Paterno Libraries currently have 10 Sony Readers available for any student to check out of the library, supervisor William Harnish said. Preloaded with best-selling books and widely read news outlets, they can be rented for free from the Course Reserve Reading Room.
But librarians think the new technology can especially help students in English classes. Anne Behler, an information literary librarian from the Department of Library Literacy Services, said an e-reader program began in fall 2008 and is constantly looking to "continue to look for ways to maximize available e-content."
And last October, the Penn State Bookstore introduced a Barnes & Noble Nook kiosk, a desk inside the store where students can learn more about e-readers.
While the Barnes and Noble Nooks -- another e-reader -- are not available to rent, the kiosk offers a wide range of materials about the e-reader and has two functional units to test.
Store employees said they've answered many questions about the product from curious students and have sold out their original stock. A new shipment is expected in later this week.
But some Penn State students are apathetic about the new technology. Seth Egnot (sophomore-engineering) cited the hefty price tag, $499 to $829, as the primary reason not to buy the product.
However, textbook publishers' recent interest in the iPad may create a new use for the device, which Apple officials have touted as a possible replacement for e-readers.
Having one gadget the size of a notebook replace heavy book bags sounded enticing to Penn State student Andrea Carrara (freshman-education), who said she would be looking into
how affordable the new technology is.
While neither the university nor the bookstore have current plans to sell the iPad, some students said it might spark their interest.
"If [the iPad] was offered as a rental, I would try it, but I would definitely have to try it before I would buy it," Egnot said.
