ebooks
Library patrons will be interested in learning about and
using innovative formats, “Any time a new format is introduced in libraries, we
[librarians] need to look at how that format affects the readers’ approach to
the material,” (Dunneback 325). Patrons
approach librarians for advice on “the best possible reading experience”
(Dunneback 327). The reading experience
not only includes the titles, but the formats, as well. While some libraries loan out the necessary
devices for digital books and audio books, not all patrons have the capability
to view downloads. Furthermore, physical
restrictions might create challenges for patrons to use digital technology,
“Library patrons’ physical restrictions contribute to a satisfactory reading
experience that can be helped or hindered by the reading devices available,”
(Dunneback 327). The librarian must be
certain that, if providing e-book suggestions, the patron is able to download
and view their materials.
Appeal and Display
From enlarging the font for easier viewing for senior
patrons, to using e-ink technology for an immersive experience, many unique
features assist diverse patrons in enjoying digital books. Digital formats that
do not include page numbers, might leave some patrons frustrated with not
knowing how far into the book they are at any given point, “The reader will
need to rely entirely on narrative drive to feel the pace of the story,”
(Dunneback 328). The amount of text on
the screen affects the pacing and the screen layout impacts the tone. In a print book, a reader can easily see the
short paragraphs that include a lot of dialogue and the large chunks of text
that may contain more details. Viewing
the text on the screen may not include these visual signals to the reader, “If
the visual cues are not there, will the reader tire of the story more
quickly?” (Dunneback 328).
Conclusion
Some patrons are interested and engaged with changing
technology and seek new and innovative formats to read their favorite
books. Others may be frustrated with the
learning process required to master e-book technology. Personally, I do not download books. I have no problem with the traditional print
book, it feels comforting, like a cup of tea on a winter day. But, especially for young readers who are
well trained in advancing technology, e-books offer a medium that can be more
engaging and more available. In working
with seniors, who require larger print, the ability to adjust the text size
would make available many more titles for their reading pleasure. Digital books are a valuable tool to serve a
diverse community.
Audio Books
Personal Use
My kids, now ages 8, 12, and 14, have enjoyed audio books
daily since they were small toddlers. I
quickly learned, that I could not read to my kids as much as they wanted to be
read to [before they were able to read] and audio books filled that gap
perfectly. When they’re sick, they lay
listening to audio books. When they are
eating breakfast, sleepy, grumpy, we often have an audio book to help us start
our morning. Certainly, vacations and
almost any lengthy ride in a car, require audio books. When my daughter was 4, we listened to the
entire Harry Potter series. She would
not have been interested in me reading the series to her, but, with the
dramatic narration and sound effects, the audio book was an engaging
performance.
Pacing
Narrators influence the pacing of the recorded book, “In
audio books, how a narrator approaches the pacing of the story can determine
how interested the reader-listener becomes in the book,” (Mediatore 319). A narrator who reads quickly, using short
sentences highlights a briskly paced story.
A gentle, quiet voice and “thoughtful tone” creates a leisurely paced
story (Mediatore 319). For some, a fast
paced read is essential to stay engaged in the story. For other users, it may be difficult to
understand the narrator if the pace is too brisk. Not only does the pace of the narrator need
to match the user’s abilities and interests, the pace of the narrator needs to
compliment the story’s pace, “…a poor match between the pace of the story and
the pace the narrator uses can cause a reader to stop listening to an audio
book,” (Mediatore 319).
Characterization
The narrator brings the story’s characters to life, “…the
narrator adopts a persona from which to relate the story,” (Mediatore
319). The narrator has the ability to
create vibrant characters through accents and/ or voice inflections. Unadorned narration may be an appropriate fit
for some users, but, other users may become disinterested if there are not
changes in the narrator’s voice to reflect different characters.
Story Line
Narration that includes only subtle changes, forces the
listener to focus on the storyline. If
the narration is thoughtful, introspective, more emphasis is placed on the
story’s plot. The story line may not
focus on the characters, rendering the listening disinterested in character
development and more interested in the twists and turns of the plot,
“…unhurried, yet suspenseful, audio book [Book
of Illusions] draws the listener in, and while the listener may come to
care about the characters, not much is revealed about them besides their
current circumstances… it is the mix of unadorned reading and an intriguing
tale that allows the story line to become the listener’s focus,” (Mediatore
320).
Frame
The narrator also passes a certain tone or feeling to the
listener from his / her reading of the audio book. Music and sound elements impact the tone of
the audio book presentation, “When examining frame in an audio book, listen for
the ‘audible extras’ such as music, sound effects, or additional recorded
material that wouldn’t be available in the print version,” (Mediatore
320). Music can enhance the genre’s
appeal of magical, suspenseful, mysterious, humorous and adventurous, for
example.
Conclusion
The narrator holds the serious responsibility of presenting
the book to the listener, which can delight or dismay the user, “As audio book
narrators become known among readers, those readers find that choosing what to
read with their ears can depend heavily on who is doing the reading to them,
and in what context they are listening,” (Mediatore 318). Matching users with audio books that meet
their needs is a multi-level challenge, much of which hinges on the narrator’s
performance. If users are able to
effectively communicate their preferred appeal factors, librarians will have an
easier time connecting the patron with satisfying audio books.
Works Cited
Dunneback, Katie. “E-books and Readers’ Advisory,” Reference and User Services Quarterly,
vol. 50, no. 4, 2011, pp. 325-329.
Mediatore, Kaite. “Reading with Your Ears,” Reference and User Services Quarterly,
vol. 42, no. 4, 2003, pp. 318-323.
