Ebooks and audiobooks are very popular materials at the library where I work. We have a large selection of audio books on CD, as well as being available for download to some devices. We offer downloadable ebooks, as well as Kindles that are pre-loaded with several books. All of these materials are checked out frequently. While traditional books are still being checked out often, these alternative formats are an important factor when considering what appeals to patrons.
Ebooks have the unique ability to allow readers to customize their book. Text size can be changed, sometimes the display can be changed from portrait to landscape, the font can be changed, etc. While this is great for many readers, it does take away some control over the reading experience from the author and/or publisher. Occasionally, authors will use text fonts and layout to evoke certain thoughts or emotions from the reader (E.E. Cummings famously did this with much of his poetry, but there are many others who are more...subtle in this practice). With ebooks, the potential for authors to do this is much more constrained.
Audiobooks have a similar issue. Again, the author and/or publisher loses their control over the physical copy of the book, so things such as text fonts or layouts cannot be used to guide the reader's experience. Also, the narration greatly effects the story itself. If the narrator gives a lackluster performance during an emotional scene, some of the effect will be lost. Sound effects are also frequently used in audio books, which can effect the reader's experience.
I like to compare ebooks to alternative book formats, and audiobooks to adaptations of books. Ebooks are still stories told through text. Just like a Large Type copy of a book may change the font, spacing, and number of pages of a book, an ebook does something similar by having customizable settings. Audiobooks are not stories told through text. They are stories told through speech, which drastically changes the experience. This is similar to reading a comic book adaptation of a novel, or watching a movie adaptation. It may be the same story, and the adaptation may even be extremely faithful to the novel, but things change in the transition to a new medium. It's a very different experience.
When providing Reader's Advisory to patrons, it is important to consider the patron's preferences for formats and media. It is worth suggesting an alternative to what they are used to experiencing, but they may feel comfortable with the format that they know best.
I really enjoyed reading your prompt response, because I think you make some interesting points about the author/publisher's intentions as to how the book should be interpreted. I definitely would agree that audiobooks transform the text. I know I've heard/read interviews with some audiobook narrators who mention that they don't have much contact with the authors, while some other authors work specifically with the narrators to craft the listening experience. But with ebooks, I don't think that there's usually as many issues with how the book looks. I imagine that if the author has specific preferences about how the text should look and enough money/influence with their publisher, that they can make arrangements.
ReplyDeleteGood job pointing out large type! Great prompt response!
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