[Web4lib] Amazon's Kindle e-book reader

[Robert L. Balliot]

These are great points. There are many different ways
to learn. Some people are able to listen, some are able
to watch, some are able to read, and some must be shown.
It seems to me that a multi-media experience using 
audio, video, and text can be a very efficient method
of presenting complex topics. Some part of it can
mesh with the varied learning skills of the intended
audience.

While watching Michael Moore's 'Sicko' over the holiday,
I was impressed by the efficient delivery of a message
that most only hear about in skewed marketing sound bites.

OTOH, its seems that effective education prepares you
to have your own ideas 'pop up' when reading, rather 
than being spoon fed ideas.  Other than for brief
encyclopedic entries, my personal preference is paper. 

*************************************************
Robert L. Balliot
1-401-441-5763
Skype: RBalliot
Bristol, Rhode Island
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm
*************************************************
-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Thomas, Susan Elaine
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 10:47 AM
To: web4lib
Subject: RE: [Web4lib] Amazon's Kindle e-book reader

There is some promise for books that are infused with media.  One thing that
stands out clear from all the research is that more research is needed.  We
don't have enough data to say for certain how e-books impact reading or
cognitive ability.  Perhaps researchers continue to note a need for more
research because preliminary results are not favorable for this medium and
there is this tremendous pressure to make it work.  I sometimes suspect that
we are all being conditioned to believe that everything has to be elctronic
because we have been told that is what the future is supposed to look like -
paperless.


Susan E. Thomas
Head of Collection Development
Schurz Library
Indiana University South Bend
(574) 520-5500
suethoma at iusb.edu