Thing 20: Book 2.0

Before I begin, I thought I'd state an observation I made while reading the introduction to this Thing. NEFLIN states: "We know there has been much ... worry about when and how people read, the future of the printed book, and our role in libraries in both of those debates.... While some say the Internet is making us stupid, other think it is not." Hmmm...I can't help but wonder what debate and worry there was in the past when new technologies came about? Seriously. What happened when Gutenberg developed the Printing Press? Or better yet and more controversial, when Americans rebeled and taught slaves to read? SURE, there were people who said, wait a minute...this isn't such a great idea. If people read something produced by this printing press, perhaps they'll wise up and rebel against the establishment, or simply just start thinking for themselves. Oh, the horror! So sure, technology can be a scary thought, but we'll acclimate, and people will never stop needing resources and live help and tutoring using new technology. Hopefully, I'll be able to take my own advice as I progress.


What are you observing in your library about books and reading?
I intrepreted this question a few different ways. Directly speaking, as the Youth Services librarian at my branch, I answer/assist with questions and requests for school assignments. For example, I had a young man ask me for ANY science fiction OR mystery the other day. Could you BE any broader? I think one of the most popular assignments is the Histrical Fiction. These are actually interesting to me. It drives me crazy when patrons -- parents especially -- stick to the designated list, such as Accelerated Reader (AR) and SSYRA. I'm sure they're great books, but they are mandated by the adults, and kids will be a little more disinclined if they can invest their interest. I think that BOOk 2.0 can help expand a child's/teen's world.

Do you think these Book 2.0 tools hamper or enhance one's reading experience?
OK, taking the "Youth Services Librarian" perspective yet again, I think that these tools will enhance the reading experience. Our kids are so plugged in to the computer that these tools may help encourage them to read because these tools speak to them. On one hand, the older generations that come to our branch say that they could never replace the feel of a book in their hand. It seems as though the kids can't replace the feel of a machine (cell phone, iPod, etc.). And yet, so many of our patrons seem to love the portability of audiobooks as well. I can see this as being very successful.

Which of the sites/tools did you visit? What are they appealing features? Any features seem unnecessary or just there "because"?

I am familiar with WorldCat as it is a part of the database services that SJCPLS offers.

LookyBook explains that it's over. Maybe I'm wrong. Please tell me if I am.

Storyline opens up as a "Page cannot be displayed" error message. Too bad. I was really excited about that! I think it's neat when celebrities endorse literacy!

Looking forward to exploring "Just One More Book" because it presents books in the podcast format.

And of course, I look forward to the Vintage Books websites because this subject fascinates me!

Do you know of other tools around books and reading we should know about?
Nothing comes to mind as of yet. This is something I enjoy exploring because it's so new to me. Therefore, the plethora of sites NEFLIN has provided will be enough for now.... Mmmm, I kinda take that back. I'll also post this on the NEFLIN blogspot, but I'm rather fond of RECESS, a program sponsored by the Center for Children's Literature and Culture, which is sponsored by the Department of English at the University of Florida. It is cofounded by Drs. John Cech and Kenneth Kidd as well as Curator and Librarian Rita Smith. They are on hiatus, but they have plans to post excerpts as podcasts, etc. I'm very excited about this!