Do/Will mediums affect genre/factors?
I believe this is dependent on the age of the user and depending on if they enjoy "print" books or utilizing their e-reader. Unfortunately, technology has a huge impact on how a person feels. I help those coming into CDPL with e-book & e-audio book issues. Often, the person hasn't checked to see if the device they purchased is compatible with the e-books (Blio e-reader ap). Thus, people often purchase a device that isn't accessible with the library's free books. This upsets the person greatly - needless to say! Luckily, our CDPL patrons can go to Lafayette & get a card & then use their e-book reader services too - this helps cut cost (versus purchasing every book.)
I don't personally think "holding" a book changes the knowledge of a genre - but, turning the pages quickly to find out what happens is always fun -- hearing the wheeeeck of the page and knowing something exciting might happen - how fun is that?!?!
Ironically, I'm a girl who doesn't pick up a book if I don't like the looks of a cover - so, for those who pick a book without "seeing" a cover seems weird. I'd be so lost on what to choose!
I've only liked 1 audio book because I read with MUCHO enthusiasm - & most narrators aren't as goofy & entertaining as me. There is a rendition of the New Testament which I believe is read by James Earl Jones ... now, this BOOMING narration is wonderfully entertaining & allows me to "picture" bible events easily. So, to me, this a huge appeal - but, it could drive someone else bonkers!
A downloadable audio book would be more appealing to me (if I chose to listen) because it could be taken everywhere! But, I know there are certain people who go thru hours and hours of Books on CD and get bummed out until the new releases arrive!
I do think it is absolutely wonderful that e-readers can be altered in font size, background colors, etc. This is wonderful for the visually impaired. Changing font to a LARGE size seems like it would make the pace slow down because there would be a constant need to "flip" the page. This would drive me crazy - but, I would LOVE the light-up feature. But, running out of battery life would be horrible! Thus, also, large print books are costly and heavy for the older patrons. One example I can think of where an e-book would be spectacular is when flying (traveling) because carrying 13 print books would be heavy & probably cost extra in luggage. With an e-device = problem solved!
Furthermore,
I'm a simple girl! I do love print books! But, recently at a tennis tournament I didn't take a book and there was a 4 hour break so I downloaded a book to my I phone & finished it before I arrived home -- which helped since the trip home was in the dark!
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| LOTS & LOTS OF CHOICES! |
I agree with you in that the narrator can greatly impact the reading/listening experience. One time I started a book and the narrator had a lisp...yeah, I didn't finish it!
ReplyDeleteI agree that ebooks are perfect for travel. My husband travels by plane almost every week for his job. Wherever he goes, he only takes one carry-on so he doesn't have to deal with lost luggage. When I used to go on vacation with him I needed a check-through bag because my carry-on was loaded with books. Now I just load up my iPad with books and I can manage with a carry-on.
ReplyDeleteYou make a really good point about the weight of the books! My library has a service for nursing home residents, many of whom need large print. The problem comes when these large print books weigh too much for fragile senior citizens! Light ereaders where you can change the font size really help these types of people!
ReplyDeleteI liked the photo of your eReaders display. In my response I included a 2012 study that for patrons with disabilities, Kindle performed the best.
ReplyDeleteThinking about your display, one of the things that Indy PL started doing a couple of Christmases ago is the Tinker Station -- a petting zoo for e-books. They have a person who takes a set of e-readers and tablets to the branches and demoes them. The table is out for a couple of hours and patrons can hold a variety of devices in their hands. It was originally designed to answer questions after people received their tablets at Christmas time, but it has been a regular event since. The description of the event is here: http://www.imcpl.org/events/detail/?event_id=3078
ReplyDeleteSuzie - I'm really curious...does your library subscribe to Blio as a subscription service and offer it to patrons? We're currently an OverDrive exclusive library, but looking into 3M as an additional option due to the limitations placed on patrons by publishers, devices, etc. With the Lafayette library, are you part of the Evergreen system? Hamilton Co. offers a 'reciprocal borrowing' program where our patrons can get free library cards from other libraries, but it's frustrating because all downloadables - eBooks, audiobooks, Freegal, Zinio, and some databases - are excluded!
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