Google Chromebooks to be lent out by library

A library in Palo Alto, California, will soon launch a pilot program that will allow members to borrow a Google Chromebook for as long as one week at a time, Wired said Wednesday. The undertaking is largely made possible due to the nature of Chromebooks as multiple users can easily customize the computer simply by signing into their Google account, as most data and applications are saved in the cloud rather than locally. As such, privacy concerns aren't applicable.

The move was prompted by Google, and the Palo Alto library in the past let patrons use notebooks for two-hour windows on its premises. The library tested 21 Chromebooks over the course of a month and will begin the lending program in January. Google hopes to enhance the image and hopefully get more users to get on board with its idea of computing with this program.

The Palo Alto library has allowed its patrons to use the Chromebooks inside the library, alongside Windows-powered machines. Users have said the experience is unique, but wish they could use word processing programs such as Microsoft's Word. The library itself is still figuring out a way for the Chromebooks to print in its paid system.

By Electronista Staff