[Web4lib] Amazon's Kindle e-book reader

[Kathryn Silberger]

Norma Jean wrote in response to the question, "Why [would anyone] want to
carry hundreds.. of books with them at a time" that she has 25 audio books
on her ipod.  I don't have quite as many, about a dozen, but I'm very glad
to have them when I travel.  My last flight was so hideous, I've been
driving long distances more that I used to, but in either situation, it is
great to have a selection of audio books.  The comment about the fellow
with lots of family photos and  videos on the ipod is interesting as well.
Our wallets may hold less, but we want something that can hold images and
words that define our sense of self.

In my laptop bag I have (1) cell phone and portable charger; (2) digital
camera; (3) tiny digital recorder plus 2 AAA batteries; and  (4) ipod.  I
have different chargers and docks for each at home. The docking stations
give me control over the devices, and I think that is a reason I put up
with the electronic clutter.   They all have overlapping functions, and yet
I use them all regularly.  The data they generate goes on to my computer
when I further manipulate it.

 A Kindle would be one more electronic gadget -  no docking station, but it
will need to be charged.  Ironically the lack of a docking station, while
creating less clutter,  is what gives Amazon, rather than the owner,
ultimate control over the device.  Someone made an interesting point about
privacy and control when they said that any personal content you want on
your Kindle has to be uploaded to Amazon's server.  The more I think about
it, that may be the biggest problem with the Kindle.  We live in an age  of
my-this and my-that; we expect to personalize and customize our electronic
spaces. Kindle seems to be bucking that trend.

Katy

Katy

Kathryn K. Silberger
Automation Resources Librarian
James A. Cannavino Library
Marist College
3399 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY  12601
Kathryn.Silberger at marist.edu
(845) 575-3000 x.2419