Bailey, Nina

Rosen, J. (2009). Taking steps into the digital future.  Publishers Weekly, 256(7),

17-19.Retrieved on April 18, 2014 from Library Literature & Information Science Full Text (H.W. Wilson). 

Summary:

This article focuses on the idea of children’s publishing and the digital future.  The author (2009) states that “the revolution in e-books for kids has only just begun.”  The article presents data about several of the large publishing houses in the U.S., and their stance on e-books for younger readers, as well as some of their plans for the future.  The issue of picture books, as e-books, is discussed as well as their viability as part of the electronic/online market.  Lastly, the article brings up the issues of challenges that are faced due to limited budgets in libraries, as well as limited Internet access in various parts of the country.

Evaluation:

Many of the same issues are raised in this article, as in others, relating to how picture books can translate into viable digital content, as well as the challenges faced by librarians due to budget constraints.

Bailey, Nina

Platt, C.  (2011).  Popular e-content at the New York Public Library: Successes

and challenges.  Publishing Research Quarterly,  27(3), 247-253.  DOI: 10.1007/s12109-011-9231-6.  Retrieved on April 18, 2014 from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text.

IL

Summary:

The purpose of this article is to present the findings and success of the New York Public Libraries using e-readers and other digital media.  According to the author, the electronic collections of the NYPL are the most heavily used of any public library in the United States.  The article reviews the ebook site, hosted by Overdrive, which is utilized in the Library as well as the scope of their e-collection.  It addresses the successes and challenges that the library as faced over the years.  One challenge presented is how to deal with the specific needs of its patrons related to the technology being utilized when faced with a limited staff and budget.  In addition, it discusses content and how different publishers release limited content to libraries, which differs from what an individual can purchase themselves.  This makes it challenging to stay abreast of the newest, and most popular titles as they come out.

Evaluation:

There is a lot of information contained in this article, especially related to the friction that exists between publishers of digital content and libraries that offer e-lending programs. While the setting, large public library vs. smaller school library, is not the same, many of the issues faced by the NYPL are relevant to school libraries and there are lessons to be learned from their experiences.

Bailey, Nina

Sutton, A.  (2013).  eReaders in school libraries.  School Library Monthly, 29(7), 11-

13.  Retrieved from http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/index.html on April 20, 2014.

IL

Summary:

The purpose of this article is to describe the implementation process that the HISD followed to begin the use of e-readers in some of their schools.  The article describes what service provider they went with, which e-readers they utilized, how they divided titles amongst the e-readers, and the roll-out of their pilot project.

Evaluation:

This article provides one option for an implementation plan regarding the use of e-readers in the school/library setting.

Bailey, Nina

Brisco, S. (2010). E-books in the school library. In S. Polanka, No shelf required: E-books in libraries (pp.37-54).  Chicago: ALA Editions.  Retrieved on April 21 from http://www.sjsu.eblib.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=598919

IL

Summary:

This piece is about the use and implementation of e-books in the school library.  It discusses the issues of funding as an impediment, rather than reluctance on the part of librarians to introduce new technologies into their libraries.  The author references the fact that there has been an explosion, of sorts, in the production and distribution of e-books for children in the recent past but that librarians faced with dwindling budgets do not often have the resources to adopt these new technologies.  It also mentions the fact that many librarians who are expected to incorporate e-books into their libraries have not had any sort of training regarding how e-books could be incorporated into the curriculum.  The author discusses types of e-books, cataloging e-books, costs, marketing and challenges.

Evaluation:

One of the most helpful aspects of this piece is the large number of resources included, not limited to a comprehensive list of e-book subscription providers for k-12 school libraries.  In addition, each section contains a list of relevant websites, things to think about, or helpful tips regarding implementation.  Lastly, there is an extensive bibliography that provides additional citations for further research.

Bailey, Nina

IL

Doiron, R. (2011, August). Using e-books and e-readers to promote reading in school libraries: 

     Lessons from the field. Paper presented at the IFLA Conference, San Juan, Puerto Rico.     

     http://conference.ifla.org/past/2011/143-doiron-en.pdf.           

Summary:

This paper examines the issues related to e-readers and e-book collections in school libraries.  The paper discusses how libraries have “embraced” e-books and e-readers in an effort to promote reading.  However, this practice is not so easily managed, and the issues regarding building e-book collections and managing e-readers in a school setting are great.  The author addresses the definition of e-books and e-readers, as well as their recent growth.  He also presents research about the benefits and problems of e-books and e-readers.   One component of this paper that I found most informative was the section on how teacher-librarians are dealing with the influx of new technology, as well as the lessons they have learned along the way.  Lastly, the paper presents what is referred to as “an informal analysis of the information gathered and several key ideas that may assist teacher-librarians in starting or enhancing their work with e-books and e-readers”.   

Evaluation:

This paper is helpful in clarifying issues as well as providing additional support regarding e-readers and e-books in the school setting.  While it is not a roadmap, it does present viable research about the use of e-books and e-readers to promote reading in libraries.  In addition, the copious references listed at the end of the paper provide additional jumping off points for investigations into this topic.