UF students will be able to check out one of the 30 available Apple iPads from Library West when Summer A begins.
Students may request an iPad on a first-come, first-served basis on the 2nd Floor Circulation Desk within the next few weeks, said Stacey Ewing, research librarian at the library.
The network cart was installed about two weeks ago. Since then, IT ran into technical issues with resetting the tablets after they were returned to the cart, Ewing said.
The 16 GB iPads, only available to students, were purchased with funds from the UF Student Technology Fee and Student Government.
When students check out an iPad, they will also receive its charger, a USB cable, a carrying case and a print guide, Ewing said.
The seven-day rental tablets come preconfigured with apps such as Dropbox, Pandora and Nook. Students will be charged $10 per overdue hour. After 10 hours, the item is considered lost with a fine up to $1,000.
Angie Alvarado-Sobrino, an 18-year-old UF business freshman, said she thinks students will use the tablets for pleasure.
“It’s nice to see Library West growing with today’s technical advances,” she said, “but I don’t think the iPads will outshine all of the other resources that Library West has to offer — especially the books.”
Ewing said if all goes well, other campus libraries will get iPads in the Fall.
