This week's readings elaborated on some readers' advisory issues relating to digital formats that I haven't thought about in depth. I recommend ebooks and audiobooks daily and assist patrons with the mechanics of digital material technology, but I don't always stop to consider other elements of a book that may be altered based on the format.
The patrons at my branch already are heavy audiobook users and a number of them have made the move to ebooks as well. Most of my reader's advisory conversations start on a traditional track and only at the point we are considering specific titles does the topic of format come up. Popular titles may have all ink-and-paper copies checked out, but an ebook may be available. Or renewed interest in an author or series may have prompted a reorder of a title now only available in digital format. At that point I ask the patron if they are interested in an ebook and hope the digital format will work for them. Most are either already using or open to digital formats, or are unable or uninterested in exploring the options. "I like the feel of a book in my hand" and "I don't want to mess with technology when I read" are two frequent reasons I hear that patrons want to stick with traditional books.
The patrons at my branch already are heavy audiobook users and a number of them have made the move to ebooks as well. Most of my reader's advisory conversations start on a traditional track and only at the point we are considering specific titles does the topic of format come up. Popular titles may have all ink-and-paper copies checked out, but an ebook may be available. Or renewed interest in an author or series may have prompted a reorder of a title now only available in digital format. At that point I ask the patron if they are interested in an ebook and hope the digital format will work for them. Most are either already using or open to digital formats, or are unable or uninterested in exploring the options. "I like the feel of a book in my hand" and "I don't want to mess with technology when I read" are two frequent reasons I hear that patrons want to stick with traditional books.
Personally, unlike many avid readers I know, I don't care about format as long as I can get my hands on the book and find time to read. My first e-reader was the original Nook -- the first gift my sons chose and paid for themselves. They wisely chose a Nook because at that time library ebooks weren't readable on a Kindle. While that technology seems clunky by today's standards, I was thrilled to be able to add a book at any time of the day or night, even if it required physically connecting my Nook to my computer.
Unbelievably, the first library-borrowed book I read on my Nook was Jonathan Safran Foer's Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close -- a title that includes photos, sketches, maps, and text in a variety of sizes and, in some sections, text arranged in unique configurations on a page. The ebook format at that time didn't handle the details of this book cleanly. Some illustrations were cut off or carried over onto the next page. Improved technology now retains the author's intended interaction of text and illustrations. Despite my willingness to "read around" some technical issues, I wouldn't recommend an ebook version of a graphic novel, or cookbook, for example, without asking the patron if they could or would read the book on an adequately sized device in order to best display the content.
Our audiobook users generally fall into two categories -- those who want to multitask, listening to books during another task, usually driving; and those whose eyesight makes reading even large print challenging. A few are loyal to certain narrators, but most look for titles by familiar authors. Several staff members listen to audiobooks also, and compare impressions of presentations. For example, many of us enjoyed David McCullough's nonfiction title, The Wright Brothers, but found the audiobook less desirable than the text. Andy Weir's The Martian was a popular audiobook among patrons and staff. Narrator R.C. Bray really brought the stranded astronaut to life and I personally recommended the audiobook over the text because the presentation was so strong and, with audio, it seems easier for anyone less interested in the scientific details to "listen through" them while concentrating on the storyline.
Unbelievably, the first library-borrowed book I read on my Nook was Jonathan Safran Foer's Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close -- a title that includes photos, sketches, maps, and text in a variety of sizes and, in some sections, text arranged in unique configurations on a page. The ebook format at that time didn't handle the details of this book cleanly. Some illustrations were cut off or carried over onto the next page. Improved technology now retains the author's intended interaction of text and illustrations. Despite my willingness to "read around" some technical issues, I wouldn't recommend an ebook version of a graphic novel, or cookbook, for example, without asking the patron if they could or would read the book on an adequately sized device in order to best display the content.
Our audiobook users generally fall into two categories -- those who want to multitask, listening to books during another task, usually driving; and those whose eyesight makes reading even large print challenging. A few are loyal to certain narrators, but most look for titles by familiar authors. Several staff members listen to audiobooks also, and compare impressions of presentations. For example, many of us enjoyed David McCullough's nonfiction title, The Wright Brothers, but found the audiobook less desirable than the text. Andy Weir's The Martian was a popular audiobook among patrons and staff. Narrator R.C. Bray really brought the stranded astronaut to life and I personally recommended the audiobook over the text because the presentation was so strong and, with audio, it seems easier for anyone less interested in the scientific details to "listen through" them while concentrating on the storyline.
Overall, ebook and audiobook formats are a regular part of our readers' advisory process. In addition to the need to determine if patrons have a way and the knowledge to access these formats, this week's readings are a good reminder to consider what effect a particular format will have on a patron's experience with any particular title.
