Sparta Libary goes mobile ... and way cool

Sparta - Always on the cutting edge of providing ‘more’ for its residents, the Sparta Public Library is now the only library in the state to offer iPods on loan. As of Friday, Dec. 16, the MP# players, recognized for its trademark white ear plugs, can be checked out for two week periods with a valid library card and a photo copy the patron’s driver’s license. The library has in its repertory six iPod Shuffles and one iPod Photo (without earphones). “We thought this would give the public the opportunity to get to know what iPods are all about and how easy they are to use,” said Director of Sparta Public Library, Carol Boutilier. “For the past two years, they have been the hottest electronic Christmas present. They are growing in popularity and the technology is just amazing. I’ve wanted to provide this to our residents for a long time.” The decision to acquire the electronic music players, came as a result of a survey that asked Sparta residents if they would take advantage of the loaner program if it became available. According to library officials, the the results were overwhelmingly positive. “Some of our surveys get no replies at all, but with this issue, we received 45 positive replies in a very short period of time. Once we knew they wanted it, we figured we would find a way to make it work,” said Boutilier. “We still have some kinks to work out, but with all new technology, that’s to be expected.” But having the iPods is only part of the equation. The library now wants to know what people want loaded onto the iPods. Currently, one of the iPod Shuffles offers a variety of Christmas music that will be changed after the season is over. The others offer the virtual equivalence of books on tape and the iPod Photo offers 120 historical pictures of Sparta. Part of the lending agreement is that no material can be downloaded onto the iPod by the patrons. The library will check that the patron has complied with their request upon return. However, library officials do not expect this to be a problem. “We are sure people will treat the iPods with respect,” Boutilier said. Library officials are investigating the possibility to offer popular music in their iPods without infringing on copyright laws. “Just like when VHS and DVD’s first came out, not all titles are available to us right now and everyone wants to make sure they are getting their cut of the action (money),” said the director. In addition to loaning iPods, the library also would like to eventually offer the capability of loaning music to patrons by downloading songs onto their personal iPod for a 14 day period. After the loan period is over, patrons would return to the library to “give back” the borrowed songs by downloading them back onto the library’s system. “It’s the same idea as borrowing a CD or DVD, only it’s virtual,” said Boutilier. The library charges $1 per day fine if an iPods is returned or renewed late. If an iPod Shuffle is lost, the charge is $100 and $300 for the iPod Photo. Replacement cost of downloaded material is $20.