October 8, 2010 · 12:50 pm

eBook Readers

As many of you know, I am in the beginning stages of actually testing reading habits on eReader plaforms.  I will be testing comprehension and speed of reading.  However, I recently came across a blog post at the LA Times in which they reveal that people who use eReaders read more (a lot more) than people who do not own such devices.  Granted, this research is not the greatest research (it could be assumed that people who read a lot are more likely to purchase such a devise, it is nice to see some research emerging.

The study does show that

Those who own dedicated reading devices such as the Kindle spend 50% more time reading newspapers and 45% more time reading books, according to the poll.

Where does all that time come from? People evidently are watching 25% less television and spending 20% to 30% less time cruising the Web, according to the online survey of 1,816 U.S. consumers.

This is great news!  Libraries will need to engage in conversations so that they are ready for this new format; for this new style of reading.

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Filed under eBooks, eReading

October 7, 2010 · 10:06 pm

Digital Media Labs & Transliteracy

I am just fascinated, and thrilled, with digital media labs being installed in libraries.  The YOUmedia space at Chicago Public Library is a great example of this type of thinking.  I am working hard to get my library, Messenger Public Library, to build one.  More and more research lend credibility to these types of environments.

For me, the major reason to have this type of space is to allow citizens to express their voice through mediums appropriate to society.  Millions of people are rendered mute because they simply do not have access or the training to express their voice via sites like this, or on YouTube, or through some other means.

As schools continue to adopt transliteracy standards, such as those outline in the 21st Century Skills, libraries will need to be ready.  Moreover, students are beginning to push schools into create policies and spaces that foster these skills.  For example, the students at CPS recently asked the CEO of CPS to bring 21st century technology into schools.  How long until they call on us?  Wouldn’t it be great if we positioned ourselves to meet these needs?

I recently heard Siva Vaidhyanathan argue that companies like Google are successful because they fill a void created by failed public policy.  I hope that we don’t fail here.  People engaging information, creating information and learning to express their voice through various technologies has always been the role of libraries.

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Filed under 21st Century Skills, Digital Media Labs, transliteracy, Youmedia

October 6, 2010 · 4:02 pm

Chicago Deskset — Game Night

Hi all,

When is the last time you hung out at the arcade? Come to Chicago Deskset’s game night at Dave & Buster’s. This is very low key — just games, beer and some time to hang out with your fellow Desksetters. Think of it as networking…with some DDR thrown in the mix.

We will meet up Friday, November 5th, after we have all finished work for the week. We can meet up out front at 7:30PM. If you show up late, no problem! Just wander around until you find Adam battling Tony at Star Wars Pod Racing 🙂

You can RSVP to the Facebook event and tell your friends! All are invited.

Hope to see you there!

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Filed under Chicago, Deskset