BYOD (Bring your own device)

Bring your own device

Bring your own device to the library is actually a really good thing for both the library and the patron. 

When you have patrons that bring their device you can help demonstrate how your patrons can use your library’s mobile app. You can also teach them how to use your catalog as and have back-up Internet access in case of emergency. 

According to Is Your Library Ready for BYOD  "Gadgets are becoming an integral part of the library’s business model, but many libraries are slow to integrate mobile technology into their library beyond a few ereaders for staff to “play” with or an iPad to use during story time"(Lyttle and Walsh 2013). 

Libraries are updating there business to incorporate bringing your own devices. There can be times and dates set up specifically to help with a device or they train there staff to help with them.  

Here is an example of a library doing a BYOD day 

Libraries Revolutionized: The Spread of BYOD from Businesses to Libraries talks about how libraries now have to "When library patrons arrive with their own mobile devices and laptops, it creates a constant drain on the library's Wi-Fi, and this makes the purchase of a high volume Wi-Fi service essential for most libraries" (Patrick).  

One bad thing about bringing your own device is that the library now has to spend more time money on W-Fi bandwidth. This does take away money form other things like books, staff, and any other resources. 

"Librarians are now charged with helping consumers download e-books to their personal e-readers more often than they help patrons check out paper books. To support patron BYOD, libraries simply need to train their staff members in how to assist and manage patrons who want to use their own devices"(Patrick). 


By training the staff  to help their patrons and learn how to use the devices it makes it a more memorable experience for the patron and the librarian