Prompt -Week 11

Prompt week 11

Audio books and e-books have opened up possibilities for readers and have changed the reading environment. Many of our library patrons enjoy reading in all three formats, although choosing one format over another may depend on their circumstances or on the chosen book.

Because of the availability of e-books and audio books, it is now possible for many readers to have increased access to books.  For those with long commutes to jobs, runners and cyclists, or anyone taking care of various household chores, audio books can be an appealing option. For many audio book readers, the narrator can make all the difference. While the print book leaves much to the imagination of the reader, an audio book depends on good narration, music and sound effects. The addition of music can truly enhance the experience of the book. There are books I would prefer to listen to specifically because of the characterization provided by the narrator and the music chosen. 

I do prefer reading print books and listening to audio books than reading e-books. I tend to refer back to previous passages fairly often and this is more difficult when reading an e-book. Without the print version in hand, I find that fewer visual cues are available. The font and text size may not allow the descriptive passages to be felt in a way that is more obvious in the print form. Pacing is sometimes more difficult to be felt while reading an e-book. A historical saga, such as Ken Follett’s Century Saga, does not necessarily convey the slower pace if less text is on the page.

However, e-books can literally place a book in the hands of a reader at any time and in any place. Last autumn, while I was stranded in N.Y. for several days, had I brought an e-reader I could have read many more books. I had only taken so many books with me on our vacation, and when I was finished, I had nothing to read. My daughters, however, could have easily downloaded books onto their tablets. With various formats come many more options for readers. 

Works Cited

 Dunneback, K. (2011). E-books and readers’ advisory. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 50(4), 325-329.

Mediatore, K. (2003). Reading with Your Ears: Readers' Advisory and Audio Books. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 42(4), 318-23.