Both of our readings this week talk about the culture of reading and the future of the book. So I have two questions for you as readers, pulling on your own experiences and all of the readings we have done over the semester: First, how have reading and books changed since you were a child, for you specifically? Second, talk a little about what you see in the future for reading, books, or publishing - say 20 years from now. Will we read more or less, will our reading become more interactive? What will happen to traditional publishing?
For me, I do not think that books have really changed. The way I read has changed, mostly. Since I am on the go more, I have come to find myself carrying around my iPad more so that I can read all the books I want on one platform. But whenever I am home, I still enjoy the feeling of a book in my hands. I have been into YA books and Sci-fi since middle school, and not much has changed in regards to what I read now (lol). I actually have added more subgenres of fiction, like LGBTQ fiction or historical fiction. I have noticed that with the rising of the importance of equality and inclusiveness, LGBTQ fiction books are becoming more popular.
For the future, I do think that reading may change but not too drastically. Books in print will not be going anywhere, and will still be bought off the shelves. I do think there will be an increase of eBooks in the future. I see books becoming more interactive as well. I played a game on my iPhone called Episode, that let you "lead your own story". You could choose what you looked like as far as race and clothing and hairstyle, and as the episodes moved along, whatever text you chose like "answer the phone call" or "ignore and call Mom back later" would then determine what your character would do next in the story. I feel like books will be moving in that direction, especially with the younger readers. These "create your own story" interactive books would be a major change for publishers.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Week 15 Prompt
What do you think are the best ways to market for your library's fiction collection? Name and describe three ways you do or would like to market your library or your future library's fiction. These can be tools, programs, displays - anything that you see as getting the word out.
1. My first idea is to showcase library staff's picks of fiction books. I would set up a display near the fiction books, and have the staff pick out one of their personal favorite fiction books to put on the display. I would also have the staff write their own short summaries for those books. I would have them put their names by their staff pick as well.
2. My second idea is to have a 'fiction movie night'. Have a viewing of a fictional movie, like Passengers with Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt. Related to that movie, I would display fictional books about space travel and provide those to the attendees of the movie night to turn them on to books relating to the subject. A book related to space travel that I have read on my own is called Coyote by Allen Steele.
3. My third idea would be to take to social media. I (along would with library staff) would create an Instagram or Twitter page, and I would encourage the staff to post their current reads on either platform. I would also encourage the staff to write little summaries about their current reads, as well as write about the ways the book can be read (iPad, Kindle, audiobook). For those who like to read on the go, there are many options to still experience the book. Many people (millennials and older, or younger) are all about social media, or just being on their phones in general.
1. My first idea is to showcase library staff's picks of fiction books. I would set up a display near the fiction books, and have the staff pick out one of their personal favorite fiction books to put on the display. I would also have the staff write their own short summaries for those books. I would have them put their names by their staff pick as well.
2. My second idea is to have a 'fiction movie night'. Have a viewing of a fictional movie, like Passengers with Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt. Related to that movie, I would display fictional books about space travel and provide those to the attendees of the movie night to turn them on to books relating to the subject. A book related to space travel that I have read on my own is called Coyote by Allen Steele.
3. My third idea would be to take to social media. I (along would with library staff) would create an Instagram or Twitter page, and I would encourage the staff to post their current reads on either platform. I would also encourage the staff to write little summaries about their current reads, as well as write about the ways the book can be read (iPad, Kindle, audiobook). For those who like to read on the go, there are many options to still experience the book. Many people (millennials and older, or younger) are all about social media, or just being on their phones in general.
Monday, April 17, 2017
Week 14 Prompt
Consider yourself part of the collection management committee of your local library, or a library at which you would like to work. You must decide whether or not to separate GBLTQ fiction and African American fiction from the general collection to its own special place. Some patrons have requested this, yet many staff are uncomfortable with the idea - saying it promotes segregation and disrupts serendipitous discovery of an author who might be different from the reader. Do you separate them? Do you separate one and not the other? Why or why not? You must provide at least 3 reasons for or against your decision. Feel free to use outside sources - this is weighty question that is answered differently in a lot of different libraries.
I don't think that these two sub genres of fiction should be separated. Both of the sub genres deserve to be highlighted but still underneath the fiction umbrella. There are many ways to do so by way of displays and booklists, but again, still within fiction. Here are my reasons why:
1. Separating the sub genres will lead to other separations within the fiction umbrella. Further separations will start to follow, like Christian fiction or Latin American fiction. It will be hard to find a stopping point.
2. Underneath those sub genres of African American fiction and GBLTQ fiction, there are even more! GBLTQ fiction about transitioning or African American fiction about the streets (Street Lit). Like reason number one, there isn't a place to stop. Plus, not all African American Fiction or GBLTQ fiction can reside in the same spot. A fantasy book with an African American protagonist and a mystery book with an African American protagonist could not be on the same shelve due to the way the library's shelving system works.
3. I would be afraid that my patrons would feel isolated or embarrassed if they see African American fiction or GBLTQ fiction all alone in its' own shelving. As a library, our goal is to include everyone and make all feel welcome and unafraid. Keeping both sub genres in general collection would show the patrons that they are able to browse books of all sorts of topics without the judgement of others.
I don't think that these two sub genres of fiction should be separated. Both of the sub genres deserve to be highlighted but still underneath the fiction umbrella. There are many ways to do so by way of displays and booklists, but again, still within fiction. Here are my reasons why:
1. Separating the sub genres will lead to other separations within the fiction umbrella. Further separations will start to follow, like Christian fiction or Latin American fiction. It will be hard to find a stopping point.
2. Underneath those sub genres of African American fiction and GBLTQ fiction, there are even more! GBLTQ fiction about transitioning or African American fiction about the streets (Street Lit). Like reason number one, there isn't a place to stop. Plus, not all African American Fiction or GBLTQ fiction can reside in the same spot. A fantasy book with an African American protagonist and a mystery book with an African American protagonist could not be on the same shelve due to the way the library's shelving system works.
3. I would be afraid that my patrons would feel isolated or embarrassed if they see African American fiction or GBLTQ fiction all alone in its' own shelving. As a library, our goal is to include everyone and make all feel welcome and unafraid. Keeping both sub genres in general collection would show the patrons that they are able to browse books of all sorts of topics without the judgement of others.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Urban Fiction Annotation
by Nikki Turner
Synopsis:
Fifteen year old Yarni Pitman is just a sweet and innocent high school student trying to get an education and go the distance. Yarni dresses well for her age, and she's captain of the cheer squad. One fateful evening, Yarni's friend Melanie comes over with her brother's phone book with numbers of the "big dogs" that run the streets and the game in town. The girls dial up the biggest of the dogs, Des, and for Yarni, everything changes. Yarni and Des develop instant attraction and a love story like no other. Fast forward to Yarni's last day of high school, and she finds herself in a courtroom where her now husband is being sentenced to life in prison. Yarni learns how hard it is to be the wife of a hustler when her only provider is put behind bars.
Elements of Urban Fiction:
* Disclaimer: I did some searching online to find these elements because our course textbook wasn't very helpful in this genre (or subgenre?) They will be cited below! *
Pacing - The pacing in this story is pretty fast with a lot of flashbacks.
Characterization - The protagonists in this genre are typically young, ages 19-25 (Street Lit LibGuide). Yarni is 15 and in high school. She is very strong minded and independent despite how innocent she is. Yarni's mother Gloria is another character that gets plenty of "screen time" during this story. Gloria is a single mother who owns a catering business and has set out to provide Yarni with the best life, spoiling her but raising her to have a strong backbone and to be able to stand on her own. Des is a drug king-pin that is very well known around the area and is known to kill anyone who does him wrong during a drug or gambling deal. But when it comes to Yarni, Des is a teddy bear and loves her so much and only wants what is best for her
Storyline - The storyline contains content during present time and flashbacks to when Yarni first met Des and how taken she was with him and he with her. The story heavily focuses on Yarni's relationship with Des, as well as her mother, Gloria (Street Lit LibGuide).
Modern References - A Hustler's Wife makes many references to brand-name items (Street Lit LibGuide). Yarni carries a lot of brand-name purses like Gucci and Liz Claiborne. Des drives an old diesel Mercedes Benz, and he buys Yarni an old brand-name vehicle called Sterling but Yarni actually prefers a BMW. Des also rewards Yarni with gifts of jewelry and fancy things whenever she does well in school.
Urban Environment - This novel shows a lot of focus on "the streets", where a lot of business is conducted right out in the open or in hidden alleyways (Street Lit Libguide). There is a lot of focus about the residences within Richmond. Des himself lives in a nice modern apartment on the West side of Richmond but he comes from and knows the projects. Yarni lives in a wealthy suburb called Richmond Hills. Despite both characters living in nice places, they are not unaware of the poverty and street crime that happens around them daily.
Writing Style - Urban fiction is usually written in first person or the narration alternates between different characters (Urban Lit YA). Yarni is the main narrator but the writing will quickly jump to the thoughts of Gloria, Des, or sometimes Des's mother Joyce. A lot of slang is used in this novel, including the N word. The author doesn't shy away from use of curse words.
Readalikes:
Death Before Dishonor by 50 Cent and Nikki Turner
Wifey by Kiki Swinson
Desperate Hoodwives by Meesha Mink
A Gangster's Girl by Chunichi Knott
References:
Humphrey, J. (2017). About street lit. Retrieved from http://durhamtech.libguides.com/streetlit
Urban fiction. (2017). Characteristics. Retrieved from https://sites.google.com/site/urbanlitya/about-genre
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Week 13 Prompt
As librarians, we should encourage our adult patrons to read whatever material that appeals to them. I feel like the discouragement of certain titles or genres only hurts us and our patrons, and limits their reading. Not only should librarians encourage adult patrons to read what they like, we should also encourage to read materials that are out of their comfort zone, so they can narrow down or broaden their likings (young adult, fantasy, graphic novels, or even children's books). In alignment with the ALA website, librarians must promote intellectual freedom for patrons to read, write, discover, any and all types of material.
"ALA actively advocates and educates in defense of intellectual freedom - the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual freedom is a core value of the library profession, and a basic right in our democratic society. A publicly supported library provides free, equitable, and confidential access to information for all of its community."
Librarians (as well as baby librarians like myself and my classmates) are always coming up with ways to promote reading and ways to better serve patrons that enjoy young adult novels or graphic novels. The local public library in my town has books on display in the main lobby that cater to those who love young adult books, and there is a display in the Teen Space as well, for not only young adult lit but graphic novels, too. In my own topic paper for this course, I referenced my own LibGuide that has fictional and non-fiction books that are targeted for young adults, but adults are still welcome to use the information as well. I remember feeling embarrassed myself because YA novels are my favorite genre, and a majority of my own leisure reading is in this genre. I personally would not want to be discouraged from reading this genre or any genre of my liking.
References:
ALA. (2017). Intellectual freedom: Issues and resources. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom
"ALA actively advocates and educates in defense of intellectual freedom - the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual freedom is a core value of the library profession, and a basic right in our democratic society. A publicly supported library provides free, equitable, and confidential access to information for all of its community."
Librarians (as well as baby librarians like myself and my classmates) are always coming up with ways to promote reading and ways to better serve patrons that enjoy young adult novels or graphic novels. The local public library in my town has books on display in the main lobby that cater to those who love young adult books, and there is a display in the Teen Space as well, for not only young adult lit but graphic novels, too. In my own topic paper for this course, I referenced my own LibGuide that has fictional and non-fiction books that are targeted for young adults, but adults are still welcome to use the information as well. I remember feeling embarrassed myself because YA novels are my favorite genre, and a majority of my own leisure reading is in this genre. I personally would not want to be discouraged from reading this genre or any genre of my liking.
References:
ALA. (2017). Intellectual freedom: Issues and resources. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom
Young Adult Annotation
by Katie Bayerl
Synopsis: Everyone in the town of New Avon thought that Tess da Costa was a saint... like literally a saint. People all over town were falling at her feet with prayer, they all wanted her to lay hands on them and heal the sick. Callie, Tess's younger sister was trying to see through all the hype. Tess was just her sister, her best friend. When Tess suddenly passes away from an undetected heart defect, the people of New Avon begin to push for Tess to officially become a saint. Tess and Callie's mother is quite ecstatic over all of the excitement, while Callie is quite disgusted, and she feels like her sister is getting taken away from her all over again.
When Ana Langone, a local girl who has been missing for several months, is found alive at the foot of a shrine created for Tess, the town's push towards Tess's sainthood heightens even more, and Callie has finally had enough.
All Callie wants is to highlight the best parts about her sister, despite her sudden "sainthood". Callie is determined to prove that Tess wasn't just a saint, but a great sister, and an awesome best friend, and a girl secretly involve with a boy. Before she knows it, Callie (with the help of Danny, Tess's secret boyfriend) discovers more than she realizes: Tess's hidden diary, family secrets, and the world shaking truth behind Ana Langone's kidnapping.
Elements of Young Adult Fiction:
Characterization - Callie da Costa is our protagonist in this story. Protagonists of YA novels are usually teenagers, or budding teenagers, in high school or almost out of middle school. Callie is trying to get through life while mourning for her older sister, Tess. We hear parts of Tess's story through her journal entries. Callie is met with a pretty particular dilemma; mourning her sister while trying to preserve the sweet memory of her while the entire town tries to make a saint out of Tess, especially after her death.
Pacing - YA novels usually have fast pace literature. A Psalm for Lost Girls is fast paced, which can be seen in the length of the chapters, ranging from one to five pages. This brings about a "page turner" vibe when reading. The chapters are shorter which gets the reader to move through the book much quicker.
Language - The language used in Psalm resonates with young adults of this generation, who are starting to use curse words a lot more. The way language is used is important here, too. When Callie narrates, she refers to her sister as "you", for example; "I squeeze my eyes shut, but it's too late. Reality rushes back, slamming me beneath the ribs. You: gone. Me: here alone..." (Bayerl, pg. 44).
Storyline - The storyline of Psalm jumps back and forth but forward at the same time. The reader starts off seeing the story from Callie's point of view. After a few chapters, entries from Tess's hidden diary portray her side of things, up to her death. The storyline moves a long quite fluidly due to short page counts in each chapter.
Readalikes:
The Last Thing You Said by Sara Biren
I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner
The Hidden Memory of Objects by Danielle Mages Amato
References:
Bayerl, K. (2017). A psalm for lost girls. New York: Penguin Random House.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Week 12 Prompt
For your prompt this week, please complete the Readers' Advisory Matrix, found on the last page of the reading title RA Guide to Nonfiction in the Canvas files, about a non-fiction book you have read. If you have not read a non-fiction book recently, feel free to use some of the techniques on how to "read" a book in five minutes such as Mary Chelton's handouts or any others we have covered to get a feel for a non-fiction book.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Narrative Continuum - Highly narrative (reads like fiction)
Subject - Self-help
Type - Autobiography/Memoir
Appeal - Very appealing to young people, starting out their lives and trying to find their way
Pacing - Fast paced, influences by facts about Poehler's life and how she found her way to the stand-up stage and beyond, as well as her path into marriage and motherhood
Characterization - The main character is Amy Poehler (the author), and mostly her but she includes anecdotes about her ex-husband, her children, and other comedic influences in her life
Storyline - Each "part" of the story starts out with a different city, and then how she flourished in each, as well as had failures. She discusses her own birth (with help of her own mother), doing improv, sex advice, divorce, motherhood
Detail - There are three "parts" of the book, with its' own set of chapters.
Part 1: Say whatever you want. Part 2: Do whatever you like. Part 3: Be whoever you are
Learning/Experiencing - The entire book offers advice to the reader on different chapters of life
Language - Language matters very much here!
Setting - Each "part" takes place in different parts of the U.S.
Part 1: Boston, Part 2: Chicago, Part 3: New York, all great places to develop improvisation skills
Tone - Light
Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?
1. Experience
2. Detail
3. Tone
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Narrative Continuum - Highly narrative (reads like fiction)
Subject - Self-help
Type - Autobiography/Memoir
Appeal - Very appealing to young people, starting out their lives and trying to find their way
Pacing - Fast paced, influences by facts about Poehler's life and how she found her way to the stand-up stage and beyond, as well as her path into marriage and motherhood
Characterization - The main character is Amy Poehler (the author), and mostly her but she includes anecdotes about her ex-husband, her children, and other comedic influences in her life
Storyline - Each "part" of the story starts out with a different city, and then how she flourished in each, as well as had failures. She discusses her own birth (with help of her own mother), doing improv, sex advice, divorce, motherhood
Detail - There are three "parts" of the book, with its' own set of chapters.
Part 1: Say whatever you want. Part 2: Do whatever you like. Part 3: Be whoever you are
Learning/Experiencing - The entire book offers advice to the reader on different chapters of life
Language - Language matters very much here!
Setting - Each "part" takes place in different parts of the U.S.
Part 1: Boston, Part 2: Chicago, Part 3: New York, all great places to develop improvisation skills
Tone - Light
Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?
1. Experience
2. Detail
3. Tone
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