Audio and ebooks

I just succeeded in downloading an ebook from ListenAlaska but it wasn’t without a few glitches. I do feel it will be easier and faster next time and I’m very glad to know about this digital service of which the Juneau Public Libraries are a member.

My problem came when I tried to download the book and it asked me to install “Adobe Digital Editions”, which I did, but after doing so, the screen directed me to sign in with my userid and password. This totally confused me because I’ve never heard of being a member of Adobe. It looked like I had to provide login info or I couldn’t continue, however, there was no way to sign up to become a member of Adobe, so it seemed I was stuck.

The screen also said I had two choices: 1) click here and I could download the book to up to 6 devices at any time, 2) click here and I would never be able to download to anything but the current device. I didn’t want to limit myself but realized if I clicked number 2, I would not have to sign in and I could get on with the business of downloading the book, so I did.

I explored some of the options for layout of the digital book on the page and started reading. Immediately I was reminded of much I don’t like to read off of a computer screen if it is text of any significant length. I come home every day from work with eye strain from time on the computer. I’m someone who prints probably more than she should simply because it’s so much easier on my eyes to read off a piece of paper. I’m wondering if “E-ink” would feel better. People tell me they love their Nooks because of how easy they are on the eyes.

I was struck by the article this week that cited studies showing student comprehension is higher when using an ebook versus traditional print. This is noteworthy and tells me I need to incorporate more ebooks in my library. I have been building up a good supply of PlayAways (audio books) over the past four years and ever since have barely been able to keep them on the shelves. The kids love these devices and ask if they can come to the library at recess to read (I always have them check out a print copy along with the electronic copy so they can follow along). The last few years I’ve purchased as many Battle books that I could in PlayAway form; these are always very hot items.

There are so many possibilities for using ebooks and audio books in k-12 libraries. I would love to have a big database of either that are mulitiple copies and are leveled so teachers can use them for literacy groups. They could access them on the spot from the classroom by use of our COW (mobile) computer cart. I’d also love to have 8-10 Nooks or Kindles available for checkout by staff and then see how they use them. We got 20 ipads for our school this year and I find the learning comes from watching staff come up with ways to incorporate the ipads into their teaching. Everybody discovers something different.

This whole area of ebooks/ebook readers/audio books feels huge to me. I don’t know how to really get started with them in my library. I’m confused by the many copyright rules, as are most librarians these days, and feel a lot of “wrinkles” in the system need to be ironed out before I can figure out what to do. I’m wondering if I could start small with say, 4 Nooks, and then work with IT on how to best implement them with staff. Sometimes the best way to learn is just to jump in and see what develops. I’m eager to read the blogs of classmates who have already put ebooks into practice to see what decisions have been made about implementation.