Philosophical discussion we were having yesterday, just to kick off your morning (if you live in the U.S., that is): What is considered "reading," anymore?
A few examples:
*If you are looking at a graphic novel--that does not have any text on the page--are you still "reading"?
*If you are listening to an eAudiobook, are you "reading"?
*If you find yourself in a digital collection of photos, a museum or historical society and you visually absorb "realia" items, would you consider it "reading"? (Passively) "Looking"? Do you become a "looker"!?!
Alane thinks this conversation has the sound of one hand clapping, robots dreaming of electric sheep...but the conversation started out at the language level.
It's really a matter of precision, I guess. Can we still call our information consumers "readers," in good conscience? I know the terms go in and out of style (should we call them "Two-point-oh'ers"?) and surely Walt will do a comprehensive study someday--but the verb to read and the act of reading, to me, can take on a much larger definition in libraries than the mere act of looking at squiggley black things on a page or screen. Anyone have an OED Online subscription?
Readers, Researchers, Users, Patrons, Consumers, Customers, Clients...
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6 comments:
Its like trying to contemplate one's navel without a mirror in front of you, all you get is a sore neck and no real results.
You said it, Bill! What is the preferred term you use at Morrisville State College?
Of course, I'm sure it depends on whether you're giving Library 1.0, Library 2.0, or just plain "good reference" service! :)
Am I the only one overcome by the irony of OCLC staff linking a literary reference to an amazon.com bookpage?
Ha ha ha, GUILTY!
Apologies to WorldCat. Sorry, friend. Here is the more appropriate link! :)
And for any other forgetful blogger, here is the easiest place to execute a WorldCat search on the open Web!
The whole issue can be resolved easily if we realize what the REAL product of our libraries is
NOT books
NOT information
The REAL product of our libraries is ANSWERS--SOLUTIONS to the problems of our customers.
The problem can be as simple as "I have a few minutes, where are the magazines?" or as complex as "I'm starting a business--what do I need to do?"
Answers? Every time I go into a library looking for answers I end up with more questions.
Unless, of course, I'm just running in to pick up a book. ;-)
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