Using ebook readers

This article comes at the ebook devices discussion from a different angle than usual - are slower reading speeds a bad or good thing.  In another post the same blog notes that over the last three months, for every 100 hardback books Amazon.com sell, 143 Kindles are sold.    It really seems we're at a tipping point for e-readers.

Do you use an e-reader?  Do you anticipate getting one during your course?  Or installing an app on your mobile?  If you do, I would love to hear from you because the library is steadily acquiring more electronic copies of your textbooks so we want to make sure they suit the devices and your reading habits.

Education apps for your iPhone

Apple have created a directory of education-related apps (for their iPhones).

Polhill's self-returns machine

The building work has been completed and we now have an automated book returns machine at Polhill Library. This is situated to the right of the library's entrance (opposite campus reception).

This picture is of the machine at the Park Square site in Luton. The Polhill machine looks just the same but with a protective clear panel (to protect it from the rain) which lifts when you press the red start button.

The machine is very simple to use and gives you a receipt listing all the items you have returned. These are instantaneously removed from your account so you can fill the space on your ticket immediately (12 stock items; 20 Teaching Practice items). The display screen gives you step-by-step instructions. And the system will even accept your British Library loans.

Unfortunately, Teaching Practice outsize items like the story sacks or the Newton's apples kit will still need to be returned at the library counter, during opening hours.

Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medal winners 2010

Neil Gaiman and Freya Blackwood were announced winners of the medals for 2010. Neil Gaiman triumphed with 'The Graveyard book' which is available for loan from the Teaching Practice collection (click on the book title for details) and Freya Blackwood won the Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration for 'Harry and Hopper' (written by Margaret Wild). This is currently on order and should be available soon.

VOTE for the Puffin of Puffins

7 MODERN CLASSICS - one from each decade of Puffin's spectacular 70 years have been hand-picked as the most entertaining and inspirational children's books of all time.

The Family from One End Street by Eve Garnett - 40s
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White - 50s
Stig of the Dump by Clive King - 60s
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl - 70s
Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian - 80s
The Hundred Mile-an-Hour Dog by Jeremy Strong - 90s
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer - 00s


Marcus Brigstocke, Jacqueline Wilson, Jasper Fforde, Cathy Cassidy, Jason Bradbury, Andy Stanton and Jenny Valentine kicked off a Puffin of Puffins debate, chaired by journalist Lucy Mangan, at The Guardian's Hay Festival on 3 June then it's up to the British public to decide.

What's YOUR favourite Puffin from this list? Cast your vote. Winner will be announced on 17 June.

Putteridge Summer opening hours

From 19 July to 1 September the library at Putteridge Bury will be staffed from 14.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday.  Self-service access will be open from 09.00 to 17.00 during the week.

Park Square summer opening hours 2010

The opening hours at Park Square will be changing over the summer.  These changes affect the Library, IT Suite & Social Learning Space.  Term-time opening hours will resume at Park Square from Monday 4th October.  The Learning Resources website has details about our opening hours and the address of each Learning Resources Centre.

14 June to 24 July

Mon-Thurs  08.30-20.00

Fri  08.30-18.00

Sat  10.30-1730  (Sun CLOSED)

26 July to 4 September

Mon-Fri  08.30-17.45

Sat  10.30-1730  (Sun CLOSED)

6 September - 3 October

Mon-Thurs  08.30-20.00

Fri  08.30-18.00

Sat  10.30-1730  (Sun CLOSED)