Will Books Be Different?

Zatko, Ruzena

Guthrie, K. K. (2012). Will books be different?. Journal of Library Administration, 52(5), 353-

369.

Summary:

This literature provides a lot of coverage on how far we have come with journals for research from the early 1990s up till now. It also covers aspects of books (for leisure) and how the reading patterns changed. The author has extensive background working for JSTOR so he has seen the evolution of trends from the printing of research article trends to now being able to access it from your own home or from anywhere. The paper is broken into two parts: The print-to-electronic transition for journals and the print-to-electronic transition for books. Overall, the focus is on the transition of both mediums and how print and electronic book and journals are looking in the future.

 

Evaluation:

This paper was well written and flowed smoothly. The reason I felt this literature would be important to include is because I wanted to focus on some past history of library trends with research journals and book from then and now. I was very impressed with the insight Gutherie provided that was acquired by his extensive knowledge from his position. What could have be included is a chart demonstrating our reading habits and acquiring of journals, then and now. Also, since Gutherie mentions the demand for articles and that publishers are willing to provide a bundle savings rather than purchasing select titles. However, some libraries lack the funds and cannot bundle. What could have been included is some examples of the size of bundle a well-funded library can buy compared to a low-budget library.

In all, this was informative insight because this was the first mention of the raw, behind-the-scenes of libraries’ eBook acquisitions through publishers and the concerns we often don’t hear about. Overall, libraries are indicating they expect to spend nearly half of their budget on electronic books and changing their model for patron-driven approaches for acquisitions.

50:50 by 2020

Zatko, Ruzena

Lodge, D. (2015). ‘50:50 by 2020’. Australian Library Journal, 64(3), 165-167.

doi:10.1080/00049670.2015.1041217

Summary:

In this article, Damien Lodge discusses patterns in the future of eBooks and eReaders. Lodge is currently a lecturer at Charles Strut University and previously served as President for Australian and Library Information Association (ALIA). Although the article is title 50/50 by 2020, the conclusion ends that the ratio of eBooks vs prints will most likely be 20:80.

The article is informative on statistics of eReaders from 2010 to present. The results show that from 2010 (when eReaders started to take off) the trend has since slowed down and the purchase of readers is becoming more stagnant. Lodge also mentions that major publishing companies are working with libraries in terms of receiving discounts with eBooks.

Evaluation:


            Lodge demonstrated some great points in the future of electronic readers and books, and whether libraries and us print enthusiasts should be concerned. The article covered the pros of eBooks that were mentioned, such as requiring less space, fewer staff, and the savings in budget. Also, an interesting observation is Lodge realizes that eBooks are turning into another format offered at libraries (such as hardcover, audio, etc.) instead of a replacement of print books. On that note, it would be interested to hear other librarians’ feelings about this and if they really care for the perk of less space and staff since this is jeopardizing job security.
           Overall, it does demonstrate that libraries in general are taking the next step to equip their library with eBook for their tech savvy patrons. What the article could have covered is approximately what percentage of libraries are frequently working with publishers and taking advantage of the offers. Also, if and what percentage of libraries still don’t offer eBooks for whatever reason.

Chester Library offers true personal touch with its ‘Human Library’

O'Meara, Chansamone

Schenk, P. (2015). Chester Library offers true personal touch with its ‘Human Library.’ New Haven Register News. Retrieved October 4, 2015, from http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20151003/chester-library-offers-true-personal-touch-with-its-human-library

Summary
The Chester Library in Connecticut is offering a library service with a truly human touch. Modeling it's program after the nonprofit Human Library Organization of Denmark which was established in 2000, Chester Library in addition to checking out books will allow patrons to check out people. The people available for check out can provide information on a variety of subjects. It's the first of it's kind in the state. According to librarian, Linda Fox, “anyone with a library card and curiosity can check out a human book for half an hour at the library. Sessions are held here at the library.” The library has a catalog of the "human books" such as “Karen Bradley-Wheat Free/Gluten Free Eating” to “Dave Zirlen-Fantasy Sports” to “Donna Barnes-The Buzz in Chester". The concept of human libraries has spread across the world in over 50 countries and several in the United States. It is really connecting people with other people. It enables people to look and ask for help without judgement on a subject they are interested in. It an also help establish relationship and trust with people. And finally the human library addresses people's needs and interest. This human library can help expand people's education, skill sets, and knowledge by connecting people with other people.

Evaluation
I've never head of this before and I think it is genius! This is a great way for those that have knowledge and expertise in a subject area to freely share it with others for a short amount of time. It can be the start of starting a new hobby or learning about something new. It can also be expanded for other serious issues the news article mentioned such as "dealing with social, medical and other issues such a homelessness, HIV, homosexuality, and more."

LITA Members Talk Trends

Brandes-Miesner, Marta

Enis, M. (2015). LITA members talk trends. Library Journal. Retrieved from http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2015/02/shows-events/ala/lita-members-talk-tech-trends-ala-midwinter-2015/
Summary:
At the Mid-Winter ALA conference, the author discusses the idea that there is a growing gulf between the "haves" and "have-nots" in the library world. This is believed to be due to the fact that many contemporary technology tools are not within the budgets of underfunded libraries.  This creates a disparity between the technology being used in wealthier areas and a lack of technology for use by patrons in less lower-socioeconomic areas. There are recommended solutions such as coding classes for girls and more open-access publishing. The overall situation of this discrepancy is seems to be improving some-what but it is still a growing trend.
Evaluation:
This is a valuable article. After discussing the issues between these groups, many suggestions are offered. Ideas such as Inclusive/Universal Design buildings (wi-fi built in) is the first of many ideas put forth. Additional ways of closing the gaps are through "meaningful gamification", open access to scholarly information, and more STEM outreach for girls and more subscriptions surrounding technology.

Local History Preserved in Growing Online Collection

O'Meara, Chansamone

Reference:
Flank, J. (2015). Local history preserved in growing online collection. Retrieved October 3, 2015, from http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/community/lake-norman-mooresville/article37197438.html

Summary:
Mooresville's Public Library continues to grow it's Special Collection in hopes of preserving the local history. It's holding include essays, newspapers, oral histories. Help sought in identifying growing number of photos. The collection spans several decades and includes: essays, letters, newspapers, audio/video recorded history, photographs, films, and other historical artifacts related to Mooresville, North Carolina. The collection was created in 2007 according to it's website, to "promote a deeper understanding of the community" by expanding access to its historical artifacts. It is a slowly growing and expanding special collection. Andy Poore, the curator of the special collections for the Mooresville Public Library is seeking to help to identify 3,000 to 4,000 unidentified photos online. Some artifacts are very fragile and require restoration. It spent $13,000 using a grant from the National Film Preservation Foundation to restore a film shot in 1944 that depicts everyday life in Mooresville.

Evaluation:

The article provided a good reason why Special Collections are an important part of a library's collection. It can requires a lot of work and money but it is worth the time and effort especially when it comes to preserving history.

“promote a deeper understanding of the community” by expanding access to its historical artifacts, its website says.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/community/lake-norman-mooresville/article37197438.html#storylink=cpyis::

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Maker Spaces in Libraries

The Makings of Maker Spaces, Part 1: Space for Creation, Not Just Consumption

written by Lauren Britton (2012), provides an informative exploration of what maker spaces are and what they mean for libraries and their local communities. The maker space movement has been pushed forward over the last couple years thanks to the innovation of public libraries and some museums. 

While Britton's article isn't the most current information on maker spaces available, the quality and content of this piece is worth checking into. Britton provides an example of different benefits of the spaces, "Maker spaces also acknowledge green concerns by reconnecting consumers to the labor involved in producing what they use". The way makers approach and understand objects encourages engagement and innovation. While schools are working to bring STEM activities into classrooms for students, inadvertently it seems libraries have accomplished a similar endeavor for patron counterparts of all ages. 

This article further investigates what these spaces mean socially. Britton finds approaches to maker spaces suggesting the act of making is a political or social act. By encouraging individuals to make their own things and use different materials, these creators are discovering alternatives to our social reliance on the consumption of goods. In turn, people can make their goods. This causes a social change, regardless of how small, initially. 

Initiatives and involvement between different ages continues to expand, and the idea of these spaces evolves. Teens are a population who have truly excelled and taken the tools in maker spaces to create new ideas, objects, and media. 

The end of this article mentions a maker culture. It's inspiring to think that some simple changes that take place in libraries, schools, and museums have had such a profound effect on our social systems. I like to think these spaces empower people. 

Article Information:

The Makings of Maker Spaces, Part 1: Space for Creation, Not Just Consumption

By Lauren Britton on October 1, 2012

From

  

http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/10/public-services/the-makings-of-maker-spaces-part-1-space-for-creation-not-just-consumption/

Graphic Novels Ignite Imagination in the Sciences

Nicole J. Hoback

Reference: 

Gubnitskaia, V. & Smallwood, C. (2014). How to STEM: Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Math Education in Libraries. Lanham, Maryland: The Scarecrow Press, INC.

Summary:

In chapter 14, “Graphic Novels Ignite Imagination in the Sciences,” graphic novels and how they can further advance opportunities for minorities and girls in STEM programs is examined. Historically African Americans and Native Americans are not represented well in many programs across the U.S. Researchers examine how scientific based graphic novels and characters represented can ignite change in these programs, encouraging minorities and girls to become more interested in science. The purpose of these graphic novels is to enrich imagination and curiosity. Unlike videos and CDs, which discuss science based programs, graphic novels allow readers to flip back and forth through the pages examining the images and going back if needed. Max Axiom is an African American graphic novel character and one of many rising in popularity to try and capture minorities. Along with minorities not being represented, women represent only 18% of graduating engineering students across the nation (p. 142). When librarians do attempt to ask girls if they would like to read a graphic novel, the wide response is, “those are boys books.” The idea of graphic novels and whom they are for needs to be the forefront of change. Generally graphic novels and comics have often been seen as non-education material, but it is up to public and school libraries to change this ideology, allowing students to feel more comfortable gaining educational knowledge from these resources.

Evaluation:

I was initially drawn to this reading, because the academic library I am reading has a growing graphic novel collection and one that all students across the board are borrowing on a regular basis. This type of collection is one that I am very interested in and what draws students of all ages to these resources. The study demonstrated that women and minorities are sorely represented in these STEM programs, which is a shame. Reading the progression that these programs are making to improve these circumstances is encouraging. Hopefully with libraries encouraging more unconventional resources of educational outreach and with women and minorities being represented on a broader basis, diversity improvements will follow.