In the Fall of 2000, the Reference and Information Services Section of the State Library received LSTA funds to introduce electronic book (eBook) reading devices to public libraries in the state. Since then a web page was created to provide information on eBook reading devices, a presentation was made at the NHLA 2000 Fall Conference, devices were purchased in the winter and spring of 2001, and eBook titles were downloaded to the devices in the summer and the fall.

The second phase of the project in which workshops will be held and eBook reading devices will be loaned to public libraries will begin in 2002. The workshop will cover the following topics:

After the workshop, libraries will borrow for 7 weeks the three devices to be used in their library by library staff and by patrons.

The first workshop is scheduled for January 18, 2002, 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. at the State Library with a snow date of January 25, 2002. The workshops will cover the following topics:

• Brief history of the eBook reading devices
• Current status of the eBook reading devices
• Information Sources on eBook reading devices
• Hands on demonstration on the using of an RCA REB 1100 (replaced this Rocket-ebook), RCA REB 1200s (replaced the Softbook) and HP pocket PC using Microsoft's Reading Software

There are spots for 9 libraries to attend the first workshop. Each library will be able to send two representatives to the workshop. Additional workshops will be held every other month (March, May, etc.) until every public library has had an opportunity to attend.

If your library wants to attend the first workshop on January 18, 2002, please reply via e-mail to mccormick@library.state.nh.us.

On January 2, the names of those libraries that have replied will be placed in a hat and the first nine randomly chosen will be able to attend. Those libraries not chosen will be eligible for the next drawing for the workshop in March.