I loved the printed word. The crisp feel of a page under my fingertips. The stark, clean lines of text printed on the page. The rich smell of new books. The act of reading a book engages all of my senses. So why then am I drawn to all of the alternative formats for books?
Tonight, my husband and I did comparison shopping for a reader, such as a Kindle, Nook, or iPad. Though we are both avid book readers, playing with the new technology was a heady feeling. The way we were able to pan a page, zoom in or out on the text size, or flip quickly through different texts was engaging. In addition, I love audio books. While I run, take a walk, or even clean house, I can still engage my brain in a good book. Those audio books make even the dullest tasks more exciting.
I wonder how the rise of alternative formats for books will affect children's literature. Students today are technology-savvy, seemingly born with the skills necessary to adapt to any type of technology. How will the printed book measure up for them? As they grow from picture books into chapter books, will the lure of other formats appeal to them as it does to me? What can librarians do to teach them the powerful connection in a printed word and the ease of technology without failing one form?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Welcome
Welcome to Bibliomania! My name is Jennifer and I am an elementary library media specialist in Maryland. During the 2010-2011 school year, I will begin my first year of teaching in this state. Previously, I was an elementary library media specialist in Kentucky for 6 years and a high school library media specialist in Ohio for 3 years. Reading is not only a part of my occupation, but a part of who I am. Since childhood, I've always had my nose stuck in a book!
This summer, I've got the perfect excuse to keep my nose stuck in a book. I am enrolled in an online section of LME 518: Advanced Children's Literature through Western Kentucky University. As part of the coursework, I will read and review a wide variety of children's literature. Watch these posts throughout the next month to see what I'm reading and how I like it!
This summer, I've got the perfect excuse to keep my nose stuck in a book. I am enrolled in an online section of LME 518: Advanced Children's Literature through Western Kentucky University. As part of the coursework, I will read and review a wide variety of children's literature. Watch these posts throughout the next month to see what I'm reading and how I like it!
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