New e-book examines tablet computers in the academic library

For Immediate Release
Mon, 03/24/2014

Contact:

Rob Christopher

Marketing Coordinator

ALA Publishing

312-280-5052

rchristopher@ala.org

CHICAGO — In the past few years tablet computing has seemingly emerged from nowhere to spark exciting conversations about the future of academic library use and instruction, touching on everything from textbooks to reference services. Electronic discussion lists and boards, conference presentations and journal articles have already suggested imaginative uses for tablet computers in the academic setting. “Tablet Computers in the Academic Library,” published as an e-book by ALA Editions, collects the best of these cutting-edge ideas from a range of contributors. Edited by Rebecca K. Miller, Heather Moorefield-Lang and Carolyn Meier, the e-book is available from the ALA Store. A roundup of the latest discussions on the topic through which readers can discover ways to improve reference and instructional services at all academic libraries, this e-book includes:

  • case studies showing a variety uses for tablets in the academic library and classroom;
  • best practices for integrating tablets into existing services;
  • a survey of tablets and other mobile computing devices currently on the market, such as the iPad, BlackBerry PlayBook, Samsung Galaxy Tab and Motorola Xoom, as well as a look at the possible future of tablets.

Miller is the college librarian for science, life sciences, and engineering at Virginia Tech. Previously she served as the digital technologies librarian at Louisiana State University and has published several articles on the topic of technology and instruction. She currently serves on the editorial boards of three journals and holds leadership positions in both national and state professional organizations.

Moorefield-Lang is the education and applied social sciences librarian at Virginia Tech. She is the chair of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Best Websites for Teaching and Learning Committee. Her current research is involved with the success and challenges of 3D printers in libraries and schools at every type and level. She is also delving into the research of digital citizenship and the online presence of our digital futures and afterlife.

Meier is the first year instruction librarian in Newman Library at Virginia Tech. She is a past co-chair of the Library Instruction Round table (LIRT) Transition to College committee. While at Virginia Tech, she developed and implemented an online research course for grad student and collaborated with other librarians in designing online modules for first-year students. Her work and research interests focus on information literacy, assessment and new methods for improving instruction and finding new technologies to reach students.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. Contact us at (800) 545-2433, ext. 5418, or editionsmarketing@ala.org.