Appeal terms for ebooks tend to be the same as for print books. A big difference however are the technical issues that can arise with using ebooks. With so many different formats and ereaders available it is difficult for the library to provide ebooks that match everyone’s devices. Another thing to consider is the actual experience of reading on the device. Certain devices may be less comfortable for patrons to read on or may be harsh on the eyes. On the other hand, being able to change the font, background color, or being able to immediately look up a word while reading are all things that could appeal to reluctant readers or readers with disabilities who could benefit from these modifications. The size of the device, whether or not it is touchscreen or has buttons, and the resolution all contribute greatly to the reading experience when using ebooks (Dunneback 327). These are all additional appeal factors when considering ebooks or ereaders.
Audiobooks also have similar appeal terms to regular print books. According to Cahill and Moore in their article “A Sound History” audiobook sales and popularity tend to mirror print book sales (27). Just because a person prefers audiobooks over print books doesn’t mean that they don’t also want to read the hottest books that everyone else is reading. Appeal factors that are unique to audiobooks include the narration, or as Mediatore calls it the “audible presentation” (319). Factors that go into the audible presentation of a book include the narration style. The styles include fully voiced (the narrator gives unique voices to all characters), partially voiced (only important characters are given distinct voices), unvoiced (no unique voices are given) or multivoiced (a cast of different people voice the characters) (Cahill & Moore 25).
Some other appeal factors include the use of music or sound affects. These can be used to provide drama to the reading or to signal the ends of chapters or cds (Mediatore 320). According to Mediatore audiobooks have the same basic appeal factors as print books (characterization, pacing, storyline, frame) (320). However audiobooks have the additional burden of matching the narration to these appeal factors. Using nature sounds to evoke a strong sense of place, using a breakneck speed to increase the suspense, or effective use of character voices all have to match with the author’s vision from the print book (Mediatore 320).
Another unique appeal factor for audiobooks (as well as ebooks) is format. Cassettes aren’t something most libraries circulate anymore (I hope!) but many patrons have a choice between cd, playaway or e-audiobook. These can all factor into the appeal of the book. Playaways may appeal the most to patrons who want to listen to the book while they go on a morning walk. CDs may appeal to the patron who commutes an hour everyday for work by car. And e-audiobooks may appeal to the night shift worker who has a smartphone and is looking to pass the time during work. Format is another unique appeal factor for audiobooks.
I personally don’t have a lot of experience with audiobooks. The only ones that I’ve listened to are the Harry Potter series as narrated by Jim Dale. My mom and I like to listen to them when we make the 15 hour car ride to visit my brother and nephew in Texas. I know he has received many accolades for his work on the audiobooks and he certainly deserves it!
As for ebooks I do have a Kindle that I use on occasion when traveling. I much prefer print books (hardcover if possible!) but lugging those around on vacation isn’t always feasible.
References:
Dunneback, K., & Trott, B. (2011). E-books and Readers' Advisory. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 50(4), 325-9. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database.
Cahill, M., & Moore, J. (2017). A Sound History. Children & Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children, 15(1), 22–29. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier
Mediatore, K. (2003). Reading with Your Ears: Readers' Advisory and Audio Books. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 42(4), 318-23. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database
Audiobooks also have similar appeal terms to regular print books. According to Cahill and Moore in their article “A Sound History” audiobook sales and popularity tend to mirror print book sales (27). Just because a person prefers audiobooks over print books doesn’t mean that they don’t also want to read the hottest books that everyone else is reading. Appeal factors that are unique to audiobooks include the narration, or as Mediatore calls it the “audible presentation” (319). Factors that go into the audible presentation of a book include the narration style. The styles include fully voiced (the narrator gives unique voices to all characters), partially voiced (only important characters are given distinct voices), unvoiced (no unique voices are given) or multivoiced (a cast of different people voice the characters) (Cahill & Moore 25).
Some other appeal factors include the use of music or sound affects. These can be used to provide drama to the reading or to signal the ends of chapters or cds (Mediatore 320). According to Mediatore audiobooks have the same basic appeal factors as print books (characterization, pacing, storyline, frame) (320). However audiobooks have the additional burden of matching the narration to these appeal factors. Using nature sounds to evoke a strong sense of place, using a breakneck speed to increase the suspense, or effective use of character voices all have to match with the author’s vision from the print book (Mediatore 320).
Another unique appeal factor for audiobooks (as well as ebooks) is format. Cassettes aren’t something most libraries circulate anymore (I hope!) but many patrons have a choice between cd, playaway or e-audiobook. These can all factor into the appeal of the book. Playaways may appeal the most to patrons who want to listen to the book while they go on a morning walk. CDs may appeal to the patron who commutes an hour everyday for work by car. And e-audiobooks may appeal to the night shift worker who has a smartphone and is looking to pass the time during work. Format is another unique appeal factor for audiobooks.
I personally don’t have a lot of experience with audiobooks. The only ones that I’ve listened to are the Harry Potter series as narrated by Jim Dale. My mom and I like to listen to them when we make the 15 hour car ride to visit my brother and nephew in Texas. I know he has received many accolades for his work on the audiobooks and he certainly deserves it!
As for ebooks I do have a Kindle that I use on occasion when traveling. I much prefer print books (hardcover if possible!) but lugging those around on vacation isn’t always feasible.
References:
Dunneback, K., & Trott, B. (2011). E-books and Readers' Advisory. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 50(4), 325-9. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database.
Cahill, M., & Moore, J. (2017). A Sound History. Children & Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children, 15(1), 22–29. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier
Mediatore, K. (2003). Reading with Your Ears: Readers' Advisory and Audio Books. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 42(4), 318-23. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database
Hi,
ReplyDeleteYou noted that audiobook sales tend to reflect the print versions. We have noticed in our department that children's audiobooks have been steadily increasing over the last couple of years. The don't circulate as often as their print counterparts, but they do circulate more then ebooks. I vividly remember the fear that ebooks would take over and put an end to print. Not only do we circulate more print books, but audiobooks have experienced a resurgence. I think I will always prefer holding the physical book and seeing favorites on my bookshelves. That said, it is nice to have more portable media options.
I say its probably a weekly or every other week occurrence in our children's department where the parent wants both the book and audiobook for their child because they are a struggling reader. We also get a lot of teachers who want to do a class reading of a book and audiobooks are more accessible for them since they may not have the budget to buy 30 copies of a book, or they are homeschoolers doing enrichment activities with other homeschool families.
DeleteI'm glad audiobooks are gaining in popularity! I have no evidence of this but podcasts have been popular for awhile now and with the rise of Audible I think (for adults at least) this has helped contribute to the popularity of e-audiobooks and audiobooks. I think people used to think audiobooks were "cheating" but I think this belief is (hopefully) going away
Hi Caitlyn! You mention that ebooks can be beneficial to patrons with disabilities. For me this has been one of the biggest benefits of ebooks and (especially) audiobooks. At my library we have expanded our audiobook selection dramatically over the last several years which has been highly beneficial to our numerous patrons who are visually disabled. Ensuring that there is material that everybody can enjoy regardless of ability has been a great joy for me.
ReplyDeleteYes I love showing patrons how to use their ereader to enlarge the print, change the background colors, or change the font. A lot of them are surprised at how much they like to read on the ereader once they change the default settings! I have a few patrons who are part of the Talking Books federal program and they still use our audiobooks because Talking Books doesn't have everything they want. They too especially like the e-audiobooks on Hoopla and Overdrive. It is a nice feeling to see them excited to read/listen again!
DeleteSuperbly well written prompt response! You bring up many good points and even continued them down into the comments (I've also noticed the same thing with children's audiobooks!). Keep it up, full points!
ReplyDelete