Image by AngryJulieMonday. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Yet another state recently launched a pilot project to provide statewide, equitable access to eBook content. Fifty-one multitype libraries in Massachusetts will begin a six month pilot to offer eBooks to their communities. This project is an effort to further explore: different eBook lending models, different platforms, and user experiences too. This project is managed by the Massachusetts Library System (MLS), in cooperation with its vendor partners—Baker & Taylor and BiblioLabs. Funding came from matching funds from MLS and through federal funds provided by the Institute for Museums and Library Services (IMLS). In Minnesota, a task force is meeting to discuss an eBook summit in 2014 to advance of the conversation of equitable, statewide access to eBooks in Minnesota. Read more about the Massachusetts initiative at MA eBook Project.
Image by Wiertz Sebastien. Retrieved in Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Have you heard of BookBub? It is a daily email service that alerts you to limited-time free and discounted eBooks that match your interests. What is really a game changer for me is the fact BookBub works with all major devices and eBook stores. Not so very long ago, I felt a need to declare which “eBook camp” I was in, which drove the type of device, but not anymore. This is competition at its best! And, when you download the book, it is in the book collection you have already created with your favorite eBook store. And, you don’t need an eBook reader to read your free book either. You will be told which mobile app will allow you to read the book. For my purposes, the Nook and Kindle Cloud Reader apps on my iPad suit my needs, then when I log in to either my Amazon account (Kindle) or my Barnes & Noble (Nook) account, the book is there, depending on who I “bought” it from. Do I own a Nook or Kindle? Yes, but I don’t even use my Nook anymore. I wanted the e-ink technology, which means I have to sideload content, which is a pain. I will use it in the summer when I am reading outside and can’t see a screen with glare. And, I find that if I turn the brightness down on my iPad, I don’t mind reading a book on it one little bit!
So, why is this a game changer for me when I have not been too keen about buying eBooks in the past?
I do not typically invest in new books, as I can’t justify the cost when I seldom read a book twice.
In my way of thinking, buying a used book is a very disposable transaction. That is, if I pay $2.99 for a used book, I often read it, then send it right back to Savers or Goodwill where I got it for someone elses enjoyment unless I believe it is outstanding and worthy of my bookshelf!
In the past, I borrowed my “worthy” books to lots of people, but now, as more people are buying eBooks, my home bookshelf is not serving the same purpose.
Now with BookBub, getting the books free or for under $2, gets me the content, but removes the clutter from the house too. Downsizing feels good.
I can more easily read electronic books in bed too; not as much weight, no page turning forcing different positions in bed either, and I can read in the dark too!
Check it out, BookBub only features books that are bestsellers or written by a bestselling author, were published by a top-tier publisher, or have received strong reviews from critics and readers. However, it is quick turnaround, you almost always have to buy the same day you receive the notice. Please don’t write me off just yet as “going to the dark side”, I still put myself on waiting lists at the public library for very specific items I need. But, the long lines can feel even more discouraging when so much content is so readily available through services like BookBub! What impact lies ahead for libraries as the user experience is so immediate and painless?
Image from Strategies for Creating and Delivering Value by Brian Mathews 2013
Brian Mathews is an Associate Dean at Virginia Tech, and I always enjoy hearing what he has to say about the future of libraries. I find his writing style refreshing, clear, and always full of great examples. This paper talks about how academic libraries are being barraged by advancements in publishing, pedagogy, and user preferences. The intent of this paper is much broader than academics however and is simply: What do people need to do and how might libraries help them?
If I haven’t convinced you yet, and you are a football fan, Brian’s epilogue discusses when the “forward pass” was introduced into the game, and how it was a game changer. This change made the players faster and more nimble. It reinvented the role of the quarterback too, much like the role of librarian can be reinvented. We all struggle at times with fast and nimble, but the times we are in dictate it! Although seventeen pages, this paper is definitely worth a read!
Have you now downloaded iOS7 and gotten somewhat acclimated to the new operating system? If you haven’t done it yet, you may want to review our recent post about the Apple iOS7 Guide. Then, if ready to download, allow ample time as it is a big download and simultaneous downloads have caused a few school servers to crash! So, theoretically, you should now be competent in the iOS7 world, right? If not, read on….
Make Use Of is a site that makes complicated things seem simple and they have come through again! According to them, since being on iOS7, “If you find yourself fumbling with your iPhone to make a simple phone call, locate and launch an app, set a reminder or wake-up alarm then you’re probably not using Siri enough. If you still don’t know about Siri or you’re new to the iPhone or iPad, Siri allows you to issue voice commands on your device, saving you the trouble of all the tapping, typing, and searching by hand.” See Do More With Siri Using the New iOS7 Siri Commandsto learn more about getting Siri’s assistance.
I can’t help but notice that the Kindle Fire now has a Mayday button which brings “Amy” up on the screen to assist you in using your Kindle, and you just can’t help but like her! I know that many libraries use chat to assist patrons, but maybe we also need the face-to-face help! Something to think about…..
The ACT National Curriculum Survey is a nationwide survey of educational practices and expectations. Conducted every three to five years by ACT, the survey collects data about what entering college students should know and be able to do to be ready for college-level coursework in English, math, reading, and science. The 2012 ACT National Curriculum Policy report found that high school teachers think their students are ready for college, but college professors beg to differ. In fact, data showed that 89 percent of high school teachers report their students are “well” or “very well” prepared for college-level work in the subject they teach, while just 26 percent of college instructors say incoming students are “well” or “very well” prepared for entry-level courses. This discrepancy in perception has remained consistent to the 2009 survey results. An interesting dilemma for educators in both high schools and colleges! CMLE staff have noticed a similar experience through our Bridging Information Literacy Across Libraries initiative work. We know that many high school media specialists teach information literacy skills, but somehow, some of the teachings don’t “stick” and students experience difficulty doing research, writing, and citing sources in college. Talking across library types can be a powerful beginning to better understand this issue. CMLE will continue to act as a bridge for this conversation to happen between high school media specialists and college librarians. We also hope to include public librarians in future “Bridging” work too. We welcome your ideas for future programming in this area.
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