Lending Kindle e-book readers: first results from the Texas A&M University project

Purpose - This paper aims to evaluate the reception of the Amazon Kindle e-book lending program at the Texas A&M University Libraries. Design/methodology/approach - The paper presents an analysis of genre of titles requested to be loaded onto the e-book readers as well as a general review of the e-book lending model. Findings - The Kindle e-book readers were extremely popular, and users selected titles for them that were mostly of a general reading nature; academic titles were rarely selected. The Texas A&M lending service has been successful and will continue. Other libraries should investigate e-book readers to supplement their bestseller and new book collections. Practical implications - E-book devices offer sophisticated users a reading option that fits many needs. This is a relatively new way that libraries can offer sophisticated users options for reading; libraries must continue to invest in new ways of delivering content. Originality/value - This is the first study on e-book reader lending services in libraries.