Stacy,

In order to have access to Overdrive, a patron needs a library card from your system. As a minor parents have to (usually) be present when they get that card and, although it is only implied I think with no signed acceptance of responsibility, because the parent's contact information is what goes on the record for that card, they are the responsible party for whatever is checked out under it.

As a librarian in a school that has a 1:1 program for several years, we have investigated ways to facilitate access to Overdrive for our students. They have iPads and our policy does not regulate the loading of apps (that I'm aware of). However, I'm pretty sure the student and parents both sign an acceptable use policy that would make clear the parental responsibility for student usage. Perhaps signing an acceptable use policy would absolve a school or school librarian from any culpability relating to access of objectionable materials via Overdrive. It would be like providing a link to Google from the library homepage. It access a lot of good stuff, but also "some" trash!

My suggestion is to:

Find out what the district policy is regarding loading apps on individual devices
Make sure the district allows access to Overdrive if the app is used - that it isn't blocked for some reason
Encourage or work with the school librarians to make sure students get library cards. (see note below)
A link to the library search page would be helpful on the school's library webpage.....or school website, however students get to library resources.
Instruction in classes with specific assignments or as PD for teachers showing how Overdrive might be useful/helpful is good as well as encouraging use of MelCat and library inter-loan for print. Many students don't know how to inter-loan or don't know how to set it up themselves online.

Good luck.

Katy Koskela

Mercy High School Media Specialist

Mercy High School

Farmington Hills, MI 48336

http://mhsmi.org

kakoskela@mhsmi.org

kakoskela@hotmail.com

Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2015 15:56:21 -0400
From: spasche@benzieshoreslibrary.org
To: michlib-l@mail2.mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Public library overdrive app on school issued tablets and computers

This is the first year that every student in our school district will have an iPad or Chromebook. We are eager to get the students using the public library's Overdrive collection. I am wondering about collection development policies and access. If a student has the Overdrive app on their school issued device, they have access to the entire public library's digital collection. The public library's collection is intended for a variety of ages and interests and not all titles in that collection are age appropriate for younger readers.

Is there any public library out there with a working relationship with a local school district regarding digital content? If so, please let me know how you managed to provide access to a collection that may or may not fit the criteria of the school's collections policies.

Many thanks!

Stacy Pasche,
Assistant Library Director

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