Learning From Rising Sixth Grade Readers: How Nooks Shaped Students’ Reading Behaviors During a Summer Independent Reading Initiative

Chapman, Sherry

Mitchell, C. (2015). Learning from rising sixth grade readers: How nooks shaped students’ reading behaviors during a summer independent reading initiative. Literacy Research and Instruction, 1-24.

https://www-tandfonline-com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1080/19388071.2015.1061623?needAccess=true

Summary: This article is on a small study using Nooks loaded with 75 titles in a summer reading program for struggling sixth grade readers. The implications suggest that although this is a limited study, there is a perception that the electronic device providing access to a variety of ebook titles promotes reading for pleasure and has the potential to support and even promote literacy. Evaluation: I am struggling to get ebook access for my middle school students, and this article makes a good argument for student access to ebooks in spite of cost. Although it focuses on a project to prevent summer slide, the outcome can apply to all digital forms of reading and particularly access to ebooks all year. The responses from students show that a student will take a Nook loaded with 75 books everywhere with them all summer. They would not carry around 75 hard copy books. When they finish a book, they can easily access the next. Since they don’t know how long each book is, the result is sometimes reading a 400 page book they would not otherwise have read. I like the idea of this project and wish that my school district would let students keep their devices over the summer or create a reader device checkout system with an array of titles for those who want to read. This will be one of my quests in the coming year. I would love to develop a program like this

Do E-books Bridge the Digital Divide?

Nicole J. Hoback

Reference:

Polanka, S. (2012). Do E-books Bridge the Digital Divide? In No Shelf Required 2: Use and Management of Electronic Books (pp. 17-34). Chicago, IL: ALA Editions

Summary:

In chapter two, of No Shelf Required 2: Use and Management of Electronic Books, readers are introduced to the technology divide that many Americans face on a daily basis. Since the Great Recession of 2007 more families have been relying on their public libraries to have access to the Internet and computers. In “Do E-books Bridge the Digital Divide?,” the author explains that while many across the United States have a computer, the low to moderate income households cannot afford high speed Internet, in many cases, while some still rely on dial up and look to the library for high-speed access. The author proposes that social workers and librarians should be working closely together to help those patrons most in need. Stating that, “both librarians and social workers are often put in the position of facing budget cuts and doing more with less” (pp. 30). I felt that this quote demonstrated the strength of not only librarians, but of libraries as an institution. Academic libraries were also discussed, in how they are the leader in the number of eBook readers purchased, while public libraries were playing catch-up, generally due to budget. Overall the positive side to this chapter was that although many cannot afford to stay current with technology, creating exclusion, as eReaders become more popular, price drops will occur allowing more of the population to be able to afford them. With more libraries gaining access to these resources this will allow patrons to feel included.

Evaluation:

Although slightly depressing to read, due to how many across the United States are excluded from technology, the chapter was insightful and important to understand when analyzing technologies growth. To understand how technology is affecting children and adults, it is also equally important to know that not everyone has the luxury of experiencing change and growth in education. The positives of this chapter were that more libraries are gaining access to these materials allowing for less exclusion.

Textbooks Weighing You Down? Check Out Our eReaders

Brandes-Miesner, Marta

Brannon, S. & Sears (2014). Textbooks weighing you down? Check out our e-readers. Technical

Services Quarterly, 31(3), 237-247. DOI: 10.1080/07317131.2014.908588 

Summary:

Through a grant received by the University of North Texas, the University Bookstore was able to purchase eReaders for students who were unable to purchase them to be able to use for accessing their textbooks in electronic form. Although they distinctly did not set out to undertake an intense research study analysis of the eReader and electronic text books program success, it was ultimately necessary as a means to plan for the future. The idea was to eliminate a lack of knowledge and fiscal barriers prohibiting the use of eReaders and electronic textbooks. Overall, the program was a great success but warranted several changes and adjustments such as implementing a wait list, planning for early returns, staff training and additional survey and textbook allowance modifications.  It served as a pilot program and due to its success will be a model for other libraries setting up similar programs in their libraries.

Evaluation:

This article is valuable in its practical application of this type of program implementation. It provides the basis for requiring such an undertaking, the elements of the grant requirements, application and acquisition. It provides the scenario which prompted the implementation of both the project and the study, the subsequent use and outcomes. It also detailed the results of the study and the reasons for any future adjustments in the program and in the survey itself. This pilot program and study proves to be a valuable resource for other school, academic and with possible considerations and alterations even for public libraries.