Week 10 Prompt
I am a huge fan of ebooks and audiobooks. I prefer these formats so much that even if I have a physical copy of a book, I will typically go out of my way to read the ebook format, or choose to listen to it, depending on availability at my library. When I was younger I always preferred the weight of a book in my hand, the smell and feel of the pages, and being able to physically see my progress as I read a book. Now, I almost see a physical book as an inconvenience. I can't just carry it in my pocket, read it in bed in the dark, or squeeze in a few pages while waiting in line at the grocery store. Even though I can't feel a physical weight of a particular book, just my device, I can still look at how many page numbers there are and follow along with my progress bar. This still gives me a "feel" for a book and gives me insights into that genre. As I have gotten older, my lifestyle has changed from the leisure I had as a child and teen to looking for what is more accessible and easier for me to work into a busy, and sometimes overwhelming, schedule. Additionally, with the pandemic when so many libraries were closed, ematerials were the only way to access a library's resources. For one reader, "she's been reading more books... during the pandemic. In 2020, she estimates, she's read 150 books" (Marshall, 2020, p. 1). This aligns with my own experience of access and increased reading time. You just can't manipulate or access a physical book like an ebook, and therein lies the appeal for me, and many others.
According to Dunneback & Trott (2011), "Readers utilizing e-ink technology can achieve an immersive experience similar to reading a print book" (p. 327). I would argue that a reader can have an even more immersive experience with an ebook. This article is a little older and technology in the last 10 years has advanced considerably. One of my qualms I have when reading a physical book that has a picture in it, say a map, is that I can't zoom in. With an ebook, I can zoom in and pan over with ease. Also, no more straining my poor, extremely nearsighted, eyes. I can customize the size and font of my text to enhance my reading journey specifically to my preferences. I can also change the color of my background to black with a white font to decrease the amount of light pouring out of my phone screen before bed. All of these factors combined helps me to give myself the best reading experience.
All of this customizing has the potential to change how the reading experience pans out. According to Dunneback & Trott (2011), "if the visual cues are not there, will the reader tire of the story more quickly?" (p. 328). In my opinion, this is a difficult question that is most likely going to be a different answer from different people. Device type, book option, layout, and other factors can all affect people differently. Personally, I do not feel as though this changes my experience because of how well ebooks now translate over to apps like Libby or Hoopla, at least in my experience.
Audiobooks, particularly eaudiobooks, are an absolute favorite of mine. I adore (most) of them. I have had the occasional bad one where I did not mesh well with the narrator. Whether it is the tone, accent, breathiness, or even music, it can all factor in to be great for some and off putting for others. According to Mediatore (2003), "a poor match between the pace of the story and the pace the narrator uses can cause a reader to stop listening" (p. 319). Even though not every book is a knock out, I have had those fantastic experiences in the past that keep me looking for the next one to devour. Jim Dale is one of my personal favorites and his narration of the Harry Potter series has yet to be overtaken in my opinion. Other factors also impact how a reader can feel about a book. What kind of device are they listening to it on? Are they streaming it? What is the quality of the speakers on the system they are using? Once again, it all boils down to personal preference.
If you can't already tell, I am biased towards ebooks. As someone who cannot see beyond the tip of my nose without corrective lenses, ebooks have given me a path to enjoy reading without straining my eyes. And audiobooks have opened a path where I don't even need to use my eyes to read, which is great not only for me but others who are more visually impaired than myself. In the past, I have had some reluctant patrons who needed a large print version of a book that we just didn't have. When I finally have talked some into trying it on a device and taking them through it on how to adjust font size, it has been, in their words, life changing. As technology continues to adapt and change, I can't wait to see what is in store for ebook and audiobook readers.
I too, often go out of my way to get eBooks sometimes! I agree that there is a similar feeling between physical books and eBooks. I think audiobooks are fantastic as well. The accessibility aspects of them are too great to ignore. I agree with you and I can't wait to see what the future brings either! Wonderful write-up!
ReplyDeleteI like how you mention the customization factors of eBooks. The ability to change font size, use night/dark mode, easily highlight, define words, and search for words are all very appealing features to me. I almost prefer eBooks nowadays too and will only purchase a physical book if it's one of my favorites or something that's unavailable in eBook format. I love using my phone to easily access thousands of books and audiobooks. Using these digital formats has allowed me to read more overall. Great post!
ReplyDeleteEAudiobooks are another useful format for the library. I wish I had this in my own prompt. Many cars as well as computers are phasing out the cd player so just about all audiobooks are going to become fully digital in the near future. I have had a few patrons tell me that they really love audiobooks because they can listen to them while they drive and this is very important for them when they go on long car trips and I can easily understand that.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the convenience of an ebook or audio book can really make a difference in choosing digital materials over print materials. It's much easier to take your phone out and read a few pages while waiting in line somewhere. As you said, with the pandemic, digital materials have been even more important. Well done!
ReplyDeleteGreat prompt response! Full points!
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