Hi Everyone,

My district’s curriculum director has asked me to explore how other elementary school libraries (K-5) are managing, and rolled out, audio or e-book programs/devices.  We have a subscription with Bookshare which supports students with print disabilities – its intended to be used strictly with students with these needs and provides audio access to their instructional texts.  Despite our having the account with Bookshare, it is rarely, if ever, utilized by classroom teachers.  So, my district is looking to purchase devices that can be checked out and sent home with students, in addition to being used in the classroom. 

The question is this.  Eventually, we’d also like to roll out an e-book/audio program (beyond Bookshare) to the general student population.  So, where do we start?  Do we purchase some kind of mp3 player strictly for audiobook use?  Do we purchase something like a Kindle Fire, to use for audio immediately and then eventually for both audio and e-books?  Do we purchase a device, one per classroom, or focus on a particular grade level?  How do you manage checking out devices to students to take home? We DON’T want to purchase something that is again, not ever going to be used.  What has been your experience with any or all of this and do you have any advice?  Thank you in advance!

Katie Clancy

Library Media Specialist 

Hebron Public Schools