Resource Review #7
Pilgrim, Mark. (November 19, 2007)."The Future of Reading (A Play in Six Acts)." diveintomark. Retrieved from: http://diveintomark.org/archives/2007/11/19/the-future-of-reading
The Future of Reading
This article points out some of the same issues discussed earlier in the Kindle and Libraries entry, such as Amazon's lending policy. However, Pilgrim goes to the extreme claiming that Kindle's capabilities could easily lead to some sort of totalitarian conspiracy. The main issue he points out are the control Amazon continues to have over downloaded content in Kindles. Amazon touts the ability to edit downloaded content as a positive thing. For example, if there is a typo in one edition, Amazon can fix the problem without any fuss. On the other hand, as Pilgrim argues, Amazon has the capacity to change historical documents or controversial material on a whim. Amazon can even remove material, as Kindle users found out earlier this year.
This blog, though a bit out there, does make some valid points about the power that Amazon holds over digital information. Earlier this semester I read The Search by John Battelle which is an overview of Google--the company's history, what they are up to now, and what they are planning for the future. It was a facinating read, but also a bit disturbing. The thought of all of the information Google has stored about each user, and all the control they have over information was eye-opening to say the least. Maybe I've seen too many bad sci-fi/conspiracy theory movies, but the thought of any entity owning that much of the market and possessing that much control makes me nervious. Amazon also wields much control, particularly over Kindle users.
There are also links in the blog to Kindle's terms of service and a very interesting interview with a number of important players in the ebook movement including Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos. In his interview, Bezos comments on the cultural importance of books and the potential that ereaders have to change the future of reading. This is a very in depth article, and it was helpful to read an insider's thoughts on Amazon's new venture.
Resource review #8
Manjoo, Farhad. (July 20, 2009). "Why 2024 Will Be Like Nineteen Eighty-Four." Slate Magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.slate.com/id/2223214/?obref=obinsite
Why 2024 Will Be Like Nineteen Eighty-Four
Here is an example, there were some books that had been illegally uploaded to Amazon's store. So, Amazon removed the books and gave customers a refund. Ironically the books removed included controversial titles by Ayn Rand, and George Orwell. An online article by Farhad Manjoo in Slate Magazine delves deeper into the shady area of ownership and access to digital materials that Amazon and libraries are both trying to navigate. the rest of the title is: "How Amazon's remote deletion of ebooks from the Kindle paves the way for book-banning's digital future." Amazon and other companies continue to have ownership of digital products purchased, which makes them vastly different from print versions. If someone had inserted illegal copies of 1984 in a bookstore and they were purchased, the bookstore would not have the right to confiscate the books from the owners. Likewise, if there is a book that contains historically inaccurate or controversial material those words are saved for posterity, not erased and rewritten.
In their defense, Amazon did realize their mistake and issued a statement to their customers saying: "'When we were notified of this by the rights holder, we removed the illegal copies from our systems and from customers' devices, and refunded customers,' the company said in an e-mailed statement. 'We are changing our systems so that in the future we will not remove books from customers' devices in these circumstances"( Informationweek). The "in these circumstances'" does leave room to do similar deletions in the future, though Amazon will be treading carefully due to all of the negative publicity concerning this issue.
This report was interesting because it explained the circumstances surrounding the deletion of books from Kindles and the repurcussions thereof. There is obviously more going on than a simple bootlegging issue. Amazon hopefully has a similar stance with Google's moto "Don't Be Evil" (though Google hasn't necessarily stuck to thier guns as much as people would hope-eg. censorship in China). I am all for embracing and utilizing new technology, but there has to be some caution, and checks put into place to keep absolute power from currupting absolutely. Hopefully all of these conspiracy theories are just that: theories.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Kindle and Libraries
Resource Review #5
Fialkoff, Francine. "To Kindle or Not." (2008) Library Journal, Vol. 133 Issue 4, p8. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=30106209&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
To Kindle or Not
So, with all of Kindle's great features, like the ability to carry thousands of books in one device, why aren't libraries jumping at the opportunity to use them? The main problem is the Terms and Conditions Amazon has imposed. The actual device can be loaned to patrons, but all of the content is protected and may not be loaned to a third party. However, some libraries, like Sparta Public Library in New Jersey, (and UW-Madison's SLIS Library...) are ignoring this restriction and loaning Kindles to patrons with pre-downloaded material. the are allowed to purchase one new book, but they also have access to all other books previously downloaded by other patrons.
This article also compares Amazon's business model with Audible, an online audiobook business now owned by Amazon. Audible originally marketed to libraries, but eventually went solely for the private market. Audible only allows one book per borrower, though it can be played on any device (even iTunes--which other audiobook formats cannot be played on).
Fialkoff ends by encouraging Amazon to look the other way when libraries lend Kindles to their patrons, because this gives them free publicity.
This article is a good reminder of the limitations of the Kindle. Libraries need to be aware of the terms of use for new technology, or they could get into trouble. However, like Fialkoff suggests, perhaps Amazon will find a way to give libraries a free pass because of the service and publicity they provide.
Resource Review #5 1/2
Fialkoff, Francine."Beyond the Kindle." (2008) Library Journal, Vol. 133 Issue 12, p8. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=33193568&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Beyond the Kindle
This is another article by Fialkoff remarking on the use of ebooks on other ereaders including cell phones and other mobile devices. She says that these new formats are beginning to be accepted especially by the younger generations. Though some still argue that reading things on a screen is done more to gain information, than to really ponder. She also quotes Janelle Brown who recently wrote a book about these changing formats, All We Ever Wanted Was Everything (sold in both print and ebook),
Resource Review #6
Miller, Matthew. "Your Kindle Can't Do This." (2009) ZDNet: Tech News, Blogs and White Papers for IT Professionals. Retrieved from: http://blogs.zdnet.com/mobile-gadgeteer/?p=1930&tag=nl.e505
Your Kindle Can't Do This
This article focuses on the Sony Reader 505 and its capability to download library books for a limited period of time. The user must install software and download the books to their computer, then upload them onto their reader. They then have 21 days to use the download until it is removed from their reader. This format gives libraries a more traditional option of lending resources to patrons without the complications of legal issues. Since Kindle has yet to adopt this type of software, libraries cannot offer this service to Kindle users.
However, one of the big claims Amazon makes with Kindle is there is no need for a computer. Books can be downloaded anywhere through the wireless system. However, many of Kindle's competitors do require a computer to download resources. Miller also wrote about this in another article, "Is wireless really even necessary in an ebook reader?" This article claims that there are actually some disadvantages to wireless capability including the tendency of spur-of-the-moment overspending, reduced battery life, and frustrations with the navigation format and low connectivity.
Returning to libraries and Kindles, there seems to be a lot of issues that librarians need to consider before investing in Kindles for their library or in technology to serve patrons with Kindles. There is a lot of potential, but the technology and costs are not quite where they need to be in order to be a viable option for most libraries.
This article was also helpful in pointing toward other ereaders that have capabilities Kindle does not. Especially in the case of libraries, Kindles do not seem like the best option at this time.
Fialkoff, Francine. "To Kindle or Not." (2008) Library Journal, Vol. 133 Issue 4, p8. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=30106209&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
To Kindle or Not
So, with all of Kindle's great features, like the ability to carry thousands of books in one device, why aren't libraries jumping at the opportunity to use them? The main problem is the Terms and Conditions Amazon has imposed. The actual device can be loaned to patrons, but all of the content is protected and may not be loaned to a third party. However, some libraries, like Sparta Public Library in New Jersey, (and UW-Madison's SLIS Library...) are ignoring this restriction and loaning Kindles to patrons with pre-downloaded material. the are allowed to purchase one new book, but they also have access to all other books previously downloaded by other patrons.
This article also compares Amazon's business model with Audible, an online audiobook business now owned by Amazon. Audible originally marketed to libraries, but eventually went solely for the private market. Audible only allows one book per borrower, though it can be played on any device (even iTunes--which other audiobook formats cannot be played on).
Fialkoff ends by encouraging Amazon to look the other way when libraries lend Kindles to their patrons, because this gives them free publicity.
This article is a good reminder of the limitations of the Kindle. Libraries need to be aware of the terms of use for new technology, or they could get into trouble. However, like Fialkoff suggests, perhaps Amazon will find a way to give libraries a free pass because of the service and publicity they provide.
Resource Review #5 1/2
Fialkoff, Francine."Beyond the Kindle." (2008) Library Journal, Vol. 133 Issue 12, p8. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=33193568&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Beyond the Kindle
This is another article by Fialkoff remarking on the use of ebooks on other ereaders including cell phones and other mobile devices. She says that these new formats are beginning to be accepted especially by the younger generations. Though some still argue that reading things on a screen is done more to gain information, than to really ponder. She also quotes Janelle Brown who recently wrote a book about these changing formats, All We Ever Wanted Was Everything (sold in both print and ebook),
[Libraries are] always "adding": services, formats, and ways to acquire, provide access to, and deliver "stories." Librarians have jumped on the ebook and downloadable bandwagon as vigorously as they have DVDs and CDs. They've adapted social networking tools to their library catalogs, e.g., enabling patron reviews and LibraryThing tags (à la King County Library System, WA). Some may view these changes with trepidation. I don't. Librarians always have been early adopters. Ebooks and downloadable delivery are just more library services.So, even with the restrictions, libraries are moving forward and adopting new technology to further serve their patrons.
Resource Review #6
Miller, Matthew. "Your Kindle Can't Do This." (2009) ZDNet: Tech News, Blogs and White Papers for IT Professionals. Retrieved from: http://blogs.zdnet.com/mobile-gadgeteer/?p=1930&tag=nl.e505
Your Kindle Can't Do This
This article focuses on the Sony Reader 505 and its capability to download library books for a limited period of time. The user must install software and download the books to their computer, then upload them onto their reader. They then have 21 days to use the download until it is removed from their reader. This format gives libraries a more traditional option of lending resources to patrons without the complications of legal issues. Since Kindle has yet to adopt this type of software, libraries cannot offer this service to Kindle users.
However, one of the big claims Amazon makes with Kindle is there is no need for a computer. Books can be downloaded anywhere through the wireless system. However, many of Kindle's competitors do require a computer to download resources. Miller also wrote about this in another article, "Is wireless really even necessary in an ebook reader?" This article claims that there are actually some disadvantages to wireless capability including the tendency of spur-of-the-moment overspending, reduced battery life, and frustrations with the navigation format and low connectivity.
Returning to libraries and Kindles, there seems to be a lot of issues that librarians need to consider before investing in Kindles for their library or in technology to serve patrons with Kindles. There is a lot of potential, but the technology and costs are not quite where they need to be in order to be a viable option for most libraries.
This article was also helpful in pointing toward other ereaders that have capabilities Kindle does not. Especially in the case of libraries, Kindles do not seem like the best option at this time.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Amazon's Kindle
Resource Review #4:
Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation) (2009). Retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-Generation/dp/B0015T963C/ref=amb_link_86172951_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0RTS0VAMJ26CCSMG79X1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=505701891&pf_rd_i=507846
I just realized I haven't reviewed the Kindle itself.
The Kindle is a portable e-reader developed and sold by Amazon.com. It has a wide range of useful features for avid readers, people who like convenience, and those who are on-the-go. I'm starting to sound like the ad, so I'll just show you:
Kindle Ad
This video goes into detail about the special features of the Kindle. The most obvious is it's a way of storing and carrying over a thousand books, magazines, pdfs, and blogs in one device.
Here are some other important features:
I do feel like I'm one of those people who would never give up tangible books. I'm very attached to my books. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to be a bad librarian, because I want to own all of my favorite books, so I am never satisfied with checking out and returning books. I want them to be on my shelf, so I can read them again, or loan them out--which I do constantly (maybe that means I will be a good librarian:)) But, I digress.
Lending is one thing Kindles are not known for. I will go more in depth when I talk specifically about how libraries and Kindles relate, but the borrowing policy is a deterrent to many.
Amazon's site is very helpful because it provides the basic details of the product as well as detailed specifications. It is obviously a for-profit site and there are many videos demonstrating Kindle's capabilities and usefulness. There are also videos interviewing famous writers who endorse the Kindle, which I thought was a clever move, because some may see buying an ebook as a slight to the author somehow. However, Amazon does have an area for feedback and reviews which is very helpful in gathering honest opinions about how real people like (or don't like it). It's nice to get a variety of views when shopping online.
Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation) (2009). Retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-Generation/dp/B0015T963C/ref=amb_link_86172951_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0RTS0VAMJ26CCSMG79X1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=505701891&pf_rd_i=507846
I just realized I haven't reviewed the Kindle itself.
The Kindle is a portable e-reader developed and sold by Amazon.com. It has a wide range of useful features for avid readers, people who like convenience, and those who are on-the-go. I'm starting to sound like the ad, so I'll just show you:
Kindle Ad
This video goes into detail about the special features of the Kindle. The most obvious is it's a way of storing and carrying over a thousand books, magazines, pdfs, and blogs in one device.
Here are some other important features:
- Internal memory of 2 GB
- 60 second downloads
- "whispernet" 3G network and Edge/GPRS
- Battery lasts 4 days running whispernet, 2 weeks without
- Paper-like display=less eye-strain
- 16 shade gray-scale images
- "Read-To-Me" audio reader also plays MP3s
- Note-taking and highlighting (saved to your online account)
- Built-in dictionary and Wikipedia
I do feel like I'm one of those people who would never give up tangible books. I'm very attached to my books. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to be a bad librarian, because I want to own all of my favorite books, so I am never satisfied with checking out and returning books. I want them to be on my shelf, so I can read them again, or loan them out--which I do constantly (maybe that means I will be a good librarian:)) But, I digress.
Lending is one thing Kindles are not known for. I will go more in depth when I talk specifically about how libraries and Kindles relate, but the borrowing policy is a deterrent to many.
Amazon's site is very helpful because it provides the basic details of the product as well as detailed specifications. It is obviously a for-profit site and there are many videos demonstrating Kindle's capabilities and usefulness. There are also videos interviewing famous writers who endorse the Kindle, which I thought was a clever move, because some may see buying an ebook as a slight to the author somehow. However, Amazon does have an area for feedback and reviews which is very helpful in gathering honest opinions about how real people like (or don't like it). It's nice to get a variety of views when shopping online.
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