Title: In Real Life
Author: Cory Doctorow
Illustrator: Jen Wang
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2014
Price: $17.99
ISBN: 978-1596436589
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: The story opens with new-ish to town Anda, still getting used to Arizona. Yes, she misses San Diego, but seems to be settling into Arizona ok. She has friends, plays games, and takes a computer class/club. It is in this computer class/club, Anda is introduced to Coarsegold Online: an MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game...think Minecraft or World of Warcraft or the oldie Runescape*). Anda joins and is sucked into a world of fun until she meets a "gold farmer" who is a low level avatar that collects cool stuff to sell to players. It's a rule breaking issue but when Anda "meets" the boy behind the farmer, she begins to question what she knows.
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Recommended Audience: YA. Middle School and up.
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Things to be aware of: Nothing out of the ordinary.
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Further Thoughts: I want to like this. I really, really do, but all it reminds me of is some "after school special" thing or The Tale of One Bad Rat. Basically, it's a nicely done graphic novel with a message or two.
I felt that the message is beaten over your head quite a bit before you even read the story. First there's the giveaway in the book jacket. Follow that with the intro by Cory Doctorow, which should have come as an afterward if it was needed at all, and at this point, my teen self is whining "stop! I get it. Life isn't fair and blah, blah, blah! I played Runescape. I watch Steam's trading cards during the sales." (Although, funny thing, I don't exactly remember the message except something about exploitation like this happens in all kinds of settings). Either way, I read all this text and thought "teachers will have a field day with this."
I started to read the story. The art is pleasant. Anda is interesting. She's a nerd of sorts and she knows her computer stuff. Then comes the special commercial from Liza McCombs who is from Australia (confusing point later) and "has a special deal for you! Girl gamers, buy the game, pay the monthly fee, and you can be in the special clan that Lizanator has in the game! Since I'm the game's creator, I can do this and we need more girls in this game!"
Ok, how'd she get into the classroom to advertise this and how did the boys feel? Yeah, we need more girl gamers, but how is this even cool in the classroom? Am I just out of touch with what happens in the classroom? And Anda's mom just kinda goes along with it as long as Anda talks to girls her own age? We really need an explanation about how looks are deceiving here. At least Anda is like every teen and just wants on the game.
She gets on, starts playing, and then meets a gold farmer. This is when she starts to realize things are not right in the world. As the story progresses, Anda talks to the gold farmer and finds out he's from China and works in sweatshop-like conditions with little pay. This angers her, so she starts to try to find ways to fix this. In the meantime, her dad's company is having trouble and the factory workers strike. This gives Anda an idea, but just makes the situation a thousand times worse and leads to Anda's banning from the game by Liza who hasn't returned to Australia. Will Anda figure out how to help her new friend in China? Will Liza do something to stop this in her game? Read on to find out.
If you take away all the contextual text, it really makes for a nice story with a few unbelievable parts (to me) like Anda meeting a gold farmer who is a boy from China, not a bot, or how Liza's "deal" for girl gamers is "ok" with everyone**. I also really feel if the foreword was actually an afterword, it'd have a bigger impact. Instead, teen me is freaking out before the story and educator/librarian me is noticing how this can be used as a book discussion book. On the flip side, teens might skip all that text and go straight for the story.
Overall feeling: It was ok. Loved the art.
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*I played Runescape and it was cool for a while. I don't play there any more.
**Granted, this was written before the video gaming drama going on right now, but even then, I'd think at least one guy in the story would be like "wait a minute..."
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Source: Netgalley
Showing posts with label rant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rant. Show all posts
Monday, October 6, 2014
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
YALSA Book Lists: A Rant
I'm late to this. I know I am because I kind of hoped it'd blow over when I actually wanted to see the lists again. As it should be semi-public knowledge here, I normally pick on the "Great Graphic Novels for Teens" lists that YALSA puts out. I like them. They can be a good start, BUT there's just some stuff on there that doesn't hold a teen's interest (Prime Baby [my review] is a prime example). I've tried to be involved, but only learned last year that I can actually suggest stuff. I have one to suggest for this year actually...
Well, today, I finally ran into YALSA's "block." Basically, if you have been under a rock, when you decide to take a look at YALSA's lists, you see a "Thanks for your interest blah-blah give us your information or skip all this and sign in."
I hate signing in. Mainly because for some dumb reasons my passwords hate me. Or the system hates my password. I also don't always remember my user name and/password and ALA Connect and Member Services have still left a bad taste in my mouth (basically, I asked recently why we can't get invoices. The state library association gives me one right off the bat AND I can access it for say, when I want to print it off for taxes. I asked if this could be consider and got a "no"). As if ALA doesn't get enough of my money right now.
Yeah, I could just end my membership there, but if I didn't like YALS so much, I would.
Ok, so why did I finally run into this block? I wanted to add the book lists to my resources page because it looks somewhat sparse and I haven't started looking for stuff to add yet. My first thought was "Let's check to see if that block is there."
Yes it was. What the hell?
Now read this post on the YALSA Blog.
Read it? Did you take a look at the comments?
Here we go. First, all the information about the awards is available outside of the wall, EXCEPT the actual list themselves. So, I can nominate a book without actually signing in or giving them my information (except in the process). That means non-members could try to nominate books. In certain cases, I understand that, but I'd think that should be more behind the wall than it is. I can also learn all I want about the award, see nominations (WHAT?), but not actually see what won. That is messed up logic.
"Members who want to access the lists on reference desk computers or other non-personal computers and don’t want to login with personal information can also bookmark the links for the lists and awards. These URLs are now posted in the “Members Only” section of the website." That's kinda nice, but something about this irks me. That is also somewhat messed up logic. If I want to book mark the link, am a non-member, but need it to do my job, I have to get a membership to get special links? Um...
"Fourth, several people have raised the question about whether it is worth it to ask for this information. The answer is we’re not sure yet, but we think it might be." Ok, you've been at this since February to when this was posted on May 30. Frankly, you should know whether or not this is working. I'm not impressed with the statistics.
"Fifth, some members have indicated that they are against this change because they feel that YALSA is restricting or putting up barriers to information. In fact, YALSA is doing the same thing that most of you do every day in your own libraries..." Yes, but when I want e-books from my library or want to browse my library or any library collection, I don't have to log in to do it. While I get the database analogy, it doesn't fly because it isn't true of every database or even the catalogs. I also can get that library card for FREE (the majority of the time) in order to access the information. In order to get access to these lists, I have to do what Facebook's apps basically do: get my information to enjoy it or pay a lot of money for a list.
YALSA, you are "putting up barriers to information" especially in a time of budget crunches and closures. I'm thinking of city librarians who just want to promote reading or justify the need to purchase books. The time strapped librarian who doesn't have time to fill out forms and forgets when s/he gets home because of how tired the person is.
I'm also looking at this fact, which is wrong, absolutely wrong:
By the way membership is down 3.7% according to the President's Report
Disclosure: This is a rant. I may not know all of the details and may not have read up on all of the details leading to this decision on YALSA's behalf. It may not be prudent to take this discussion out onto my blog, but honestly, others are doing it too and I restarted the discussion on twitter. I'm very annoyed about this and am just using this as a way to vent. There are great blogs out there and a very nicely written post,with more comments and links, was done by Liz B of A Chair, A Fireplace, and A Tea Cozy (link to her reaction to the update from June 5)
Things Discovered...after the majority of this was written
Well, today, I finally ran into YALSA's "block." Basically, if you have been under a rock, when you decide to take a look at YALSA's lists, you see a "Thanks for your interest blah-blah give us your information or skip all this and sign in."
I hate signing in. Mainly because for some dumb reasons my passwords hate me. Or the system hates my password. I also don't always remember my user name and/password and ALA Connect and Member Services have still left a bad taste in my mouth (basically, I asked recently why we can't get invoices. The state library association gives me one right off the bat AND I can access it for say, when I want to print it off for taxes. I asked if this could be consider and got a "no"). As if ALA doesn't get enough of my money right now.
Yeah, I could just end my membership there, but if I didn't like YALS so much, I would.
Ok, so why did I finally run into this block? I wanted to add the book lists to my resources page because it looks somewhat sparse and I haven't started looking for stuff to add yet. My first thought was "Let's check to see if that block is there."
Yes it was. What the hell?
Now read this post on the YALSA Blog.
Read it? Did you take a look at the comments?
Here we go. First, all the information about the awards is available outside of the wall, EXCEPT the actual list themselves. So, I can nominate a book without actually signing in or giving them my information (except in the process). That means non-members could try to nominate books. In certain cases, I understand that, but I'd think that should be more behind the wall than it is. I can also learn all I want about the award, see nominations (WHAT?), but not actually see what won. That is messed up logic.
"Members who want to access the lists on reference desk computers or other non-personal computers and don’t want to login with personal information can also bookmark the links for the lists and awards. These URLs are now posted in the “Members Only” section of the website." That's kinda nice, but something about this irks me. That is also somewhat messed up logic. If I want to book mark the link, am a non-member, but need it to do my job, I have to get a membership to get special links? Um...
"Fourth, several people have raised the question about whether it is worth it to ask for this information. The answer is we’re not sure yet, but we think it might be." Ok, you've been at this since February to when this was posted on May 30. Frankly, you should know whether or not this is working. I'm not impressed with the statistics.
"Fifth, some members have indicated that they are against this change because they feel that YALSA is restricting or putting up barriers to information. In fact, YALSA is doing the same thing that most of you do every day in your own libraries..." Yes, but when I want e-books from my library or want to browse my library or any library collection, I don't have to log in to do it. While I get the database analogy, it doesn't fly because it isn't true of every database or even the catalogs. I also can get that library card for FREE (the majority of the time) in order to access the information. In order to get access to these lists, I have to do what Facebook's apps basically do: get my information to enjoy it or pay a lot of money for a list.
YALSA, you are "putting up barriers to information" especially in a time of budget crunches and closures. I'm thinking of city librarians who just want to promote reading or justify the need to purchase books. The time strapped librarian who doesn't have time to fill out forms and forgets when s/he gets home because of how tired the person is.
I'm also looking at this fact, which is wrong, absolutely wrong:
- The Newbery and Caldecott List is public, but the Printz is not. And don't get into the fact that these are different divisions. I recognize that, but they are also respected awards and I find the Printz equivalent to that. If other divisions can do this, so can YALSA. Put other stuff behind the walls. Stuff that people would be glad to pay for.
By the way membership is down 3.7% according to the President's Report
Disclosure: This is a rant. I may not know all of the details and may not have read up on all of the details leading to this decision on YALSA's behalf. It may not be prudent to take this discussion out onto my blog, but honestly, others are doing it too and I restarted the discussion on twitter. I'm very annoyed about this and am just using this as a way to vent. There are great blogs out there and a very nicely written post,with more comments and links, was done by Liz B of A Chair, A Fireplace, and A Tea Cozy (link to her reaction to the update from June 5)
Things Discovered...after the majority of this was written
- The Philosopher Musician thinks that as a patron and person, lack of access to the links is uncool and that the basic list itself should be available freely as it is very basic information...SO
- He just discovered the Printz List is available on Wikipedia. To be honest, I'm kind of embarrassed that I didn't think of this first and am sorry if YALSA forces it to come down after this information comes to light.
- Also, kudos to whoever is maintaining that Wikipedia page.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Web Comics and Libraries
Here's something that's starting to bug me: Libraries and Web Comics. Basically, the titles that are in libraries are limited and I would kind of like to know why. Lately, it seems there are a lot of great web comics are coming out in book format, but are libraries picking them up? Not really. The epic exception seems to be Unshelved, which while great and is library humored, is NOT really what I'm talking about here. Unshelved will be the example to explain web comics. Basically, a comic done by an artist with or without a writer and syndicated on the Internet. Simple.
The latest web comic to make waves in library land is/was the epic Axe Cop (which, my library copy got no where fast because the binding split). Every review I saw was like "THIS IS AWESOME." Don't get me wrong, I know it is awesome (even though I haven't read the first volume but I've seen a few strips). It is entertaining and fun, but of ALL the web comics in the last few years, this is what catches everyone's eye? What about Dr. McNinja (which I need to read but hear about a LOT from The Philosopher Musician)? What about Machine of Death which is a hybrid of sorts and includes a collaboration of web comic artists, authors, and The People (not to mention is coming out with a sequel and had a blast fighting it out with Glenn Beck not too long ago)? Many artists are coming out with books and loyal fans are picking these up. But what about poor readers who can't run out and buy every book, no matter how much they want to support the artist? What about exposing readers to comics they haven't seen? What disservice are we providing when all we have are the "classics*"?
I'll tell you. Simply you are missing the 20-somethings, the 30-somethings, and maybe their kids. I don't read as many web comics as I used to but I am partial to Questionable Content (which mind you, brought you the She Blinded Me With Library Science gear), XKCD, Red String, and a few I really can't mention on my blog (epically awesome, epically NSFW). I have respect for many, many more web comics because I've read bits here and there and despite not reading them after a period of time, they are still good or have improved. Plus, The Philosopher Musician has his list of web comics he follows (and is known to go on "archive binges" here and there) and many of my friends love different web comics yet we share a love of many of the same titles.
So, what's our excuse? Tight budgets? They're indie published? We don't have the reviews to justify them in the collection? We don't want those 20 somethings in the library? Real comics are books? That's all available on the Internet; why would they want the book? Tell me why you don't have them. I really want to know.
In the mean time, tell me what collections you want me to review. I'm starting with what I have easy access to (QC vol 1, Red String vol. 1, Axe Cop vol. 1, and Wondermark), but want to find more. Got stuff your teens are talking about? Let me know. Web Comic Wednesdays will start up soon where I'll talk about web comics where either The Philosopher Musician or me will talk about a web comic turned book, or the web comic itself.
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"Classics" include such hits as Penny Arcade, MegaTokyo, Wondermark, Gunnerkrig Court, and...Unshelved
The latest web comic to make waves in library land is/was the epic Axe Cop (which, my library copy got no where fast because the binding split). Every review I saw was like "THIS IS AWESOME." Don't get me wrong, I know it is awesome (even though I haven't read the first volume but I've seen a few strips). It is entertaining and fun, but of ALL the web comics in the last few years, this is what catches everyone's eye? What about Dr. McNinja (which I need to read but hear about a LOT from The Philosopher Musician)? What about Machine of Death which is a hybrid of sorts and includes a collaboration of web comic artists, authors, and The People (not to mention is coming out with a sequel and had a blast fighting it out with Glenn Beck not too long ago)? Many artists are coming out with books and loyal fans are picking these up. But what about poor readers who can't run out and buy every book, no matter how much they want to support the artist? What about exposing readers to comics they haven't seen? What disservice are we providing when all we have are the "classics*"?
I'll tell you. Simply you are missing the 20-somethings, the 30-somethings, and maybe their kids. I don't read as many web comics as I used to but I am partial to Questionable Content (which mind you, brought you the She Blinded Me With Library Science gear), XKCD, Red String, and a few I really can't mention on my blog (epically awesome, epically NSFW). I have respect for many, many more web comics because I've read bits here and there and despite not reading them after a period of time, they are still good or have improved. Plus, The Philosopher Musician has his list of web comics he follows (and is known to go on "archive binges" here and there) and many of my friends love different web comics yet we share a love of many of the same titles.
So, what's our excuse? Tight budgets? They're indie published? We don't have the reviews to justify them in the collection? We don't want those 20 somethings in the library? Real comics are books? That's all available on the Internet; why would they want the book? Tell me why you don't have them. I really want to know.
In the mean time, tell me what collections you want me to review. I'm starting with what I have easy access to (QC vol 1, Red String vol. 1, Axe Cop vol. 1, and Wondermark), but want to find more. Got stuff your teens are talking about? Let me know. Web Comic Wednesdays will start up soon where I'll talk about web comics where either The Philosopher Musician or me will talk about a web comic turned book, or the web comic itself.
------------------------------------------------------------
"Classics" include such hits as Penny Arcade, MegaTokyo, Wondermark, Gunnerkrig Court, and...Unshelved
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Response to "Using the Living Dead to Teach Information Literacy" from Librayr Journal
From my own Twitter Account: “Good idea. Poorly excuted(sic): TOTAL disregard for Zombie Lore. (1st broken rule: building w/windows) http://bit.ly/feNhlm ”
Library Journal: Using The Living Dead to Teach Information Literacy
The McPherson College's Miller Library (Kansas) has created a Zombie Apocalypse “graphic novel” to introduce students to the library. While a great idea (commendable, really), it is poorly executed, mainly in that the story has disregard to Zombie Apocalypse Lore. With this in mind, I shared this doozy of a graphic novel to some friends the other night to get their opinion to make sure my opinions were valid. They agreed.
The issues I have with this:
Trying to hard. The introduction says WAY to much about librarians and not enough about students. The introduction is one of those things that makes me cringe for librarians. It is at moments condescending (librarians are information literate people, not you) and these are the kinds of words that turn freshmen (or those not associated to libraries) off of libraries. Don’t explain WHY you did it (although, the last bit about saving the day is good). Just publish the damn novel and see what happens or just say “This guide is for you. Enjoy!”
“Comic Book” NOT “GRAPHIC NOVEL.” (The Philosopher Musician cringed as I read this sentence aloud, after he saw bits of it the other night). 23 pages of zombie apocalypse goodness is actually print comic book-length. The comic itself is even smaller than that.
The overall dialogue. At moments it flows, at others it doesn’t. Right off the bat, it seems forced and…odd…(what is the bit about “state college?” As a PA person, I think about State College, PA). The dialogue sounds like a bad movie, but really bad, not cheesy-bad. “Oh you silly kids…” (p. 4) reminds me of Scooby Doo and readers will drop it then. After this outburst, the whole comic turns into a comic infomercial.
The librarian is psychotic. He doesn’t care that his student workers are dead (p.5)? He’s more interested in finding books about voodoo. Great. Librarians are heartless.
Breaks in Zombie Apocalypse Lore:
STAY AWAY FROM GLASS BUILDINGS. That library, as far as I can tell, would have been the first place to lose it in a Zombie Apocalypse. It’s covered in glass.*
Why zombies crave brains. Ok. I don’t know why, but the craving knowledge was cute…but it missed the mark somehow. If the factoid about zombies craving brains was included in the general story, with the students going, “OH! Zombies crave knowledge!” that bit might have been funny.
Stairs. Do not be in a place with lots of stairs. Zombies can climb them. Again, this library fails in zombie stronghold (ok, just realized that the point isn’t that the library is a stronghold, but I’m not sure they would have lasted even this long with this building).
Wait, records are by primitive humans? (p. 9) (Good sarcasm fail.) Also, the idea of using records to attack zombies is totally ripped from the movie “Shaun of the Dead.”
Lastly, in the last panel, I’m bothered by the librarian’s speech (The Philosopher Musician is bothered by his zombie-like expression). Again, I cringe for librarians because it is that kind of “we’re smarter than you and look at the trick we just pulled with this awesome graphic novel; you will know how to use the library and be the awesome students we know you are.” That’s it. It is a motivational speech, which is really fake-sounding.
All in all, I find this a novel and commendable idea. The art is fantastic and the ideas for physically fighting zombies in a library were kind of useful for people in a zombie apocalypse. I actually love the art, but the text is terrible. Too much showing, not enough telling, and not enough “guided instruction.” Honestly, his guided instruction did not even give the students a chance to deduce how to look for or find certain things. Yes, in a Zombie Apocalypse, you have a limited amount of time, but I’m sure the students could have figured out some more about zombies by applying some research skills he introduced them to (I’m a firm believer in “guide on the side”). I wanted so much for this graphic novel, but instead it falls into that category of “too much obvious lesson, not enough hinted lesson.”
I sincerely wish this library luck in getting this into student’s hands. The nerds will devour this. Graphic novel enthusiasts will devour this. Unfortunately they will enjoy this for all the wrong reasons, which I outlined above, if it even makes it into their hands.
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*In college, friends and I used to try to figure out in the event of a zombie apocalypse which building would be the best building to go to for safety. It wasn't the library.
Library Journal: Using The Living Dead to Teach Information Literacy
The McPherson College's Miller Library (Kansas) has created a Zombie Apocalypse “graphic novel” to introduce students to the library. While a great idea (commendable, really), it is poorly executed, mainly in that the story has disregard to Zombie Apocalypse Lore. With this in mind, I shared this doozy of a graphic novel to some friends the other night to get their opinion to make sure my opinions were valid. They agreed.
The issues I have with this:
Trying to hard. The introduction says WAY to much about librarians and not enough about students. The introduction is one of those things that makes me cringe for librarians. It is at moments condescending (librarians are information literate people, not you) and these are the kinds of words that turn freshmen (or those not associated to libraries) off of libraries. Don’t explain WHY you did it (although, the last bit about saving the day is good). Just publish the damn novel and see what happens or just say “This guide is for you. Enjoy!”
“Comic Book” NOT “GRAPHIC NOVEL.” (The Philosopher Musician cringed as I read this sentence aloud, after he saw bits of it the other night). 23 pages of zombie apocalypse goodness is actually print comic book-length. The comic itself is even smaller than that.
The overall dialogue. At moments it flows, at others it doesn’t. Right off the bat, it seems forced and…odd…(what is the bit about “state college?” As a PA person, I think about State College, PA). The dialogue sounds like a bad movie, but really bad, not cheesy-bad. “Oh you silly kids…” (p. 4) reminds me of Scooby Doo and readers will drop it then. After this outburst, the whole comic turns into a comic infomercial.
The librarian is psychotic. He doesn’t care that his student workers are dead (p.5)? He’s more interested in finding books about voodoo. Great. Librarians are heartless.
Breaks in Zombie Apocalypse Lore:
STAY AWAY FROM GLASS BUILDINGS. That library, as far as I can tell, would have been the first place to lose it in a Zombie Apocalypse. It’s covered in glass.*
Why zombies crave brains. Ok. I don’t know why, but the craving knowledge was cute…but it missed the mark somehow. If the factoid about zombies craving brains was included in the general story, with the students going, “OH! Zombies crave knowledge!” that bit might have been funny.
Stairs. Do not be in a place with lots of stairs. Zombies can climb them. Again, this library fails in zombie stronghold (ok, just realized that the point isn’t that the library is a stronghold, but I’m not sure they would have lasted even this long with this building).
Wait, records are by primitive humans? (p. 9) (Good sarcasm fail.) Also, the idea of using records to attack zombies is totally ripped from the movie “Shaun of the Dead.”
Lastly, in the last panel, I’m bothered by the librarian’s speech (The Philosopher Musician is bothered by his zombie-like expression). Again, I cringe for librarians because it is that kind of “we’re smarter than you and look at the trick we just pulled with this awesome graphic novel; you will know how to use the library and be the awesome students we know you are.” That’s it. It is a motivational speech, which is really fake-sounding.
All in all, I find this a novel and commendable idea. The art is fantastic and the ideas for physically fighting zombies in a library were kind of useful for people in a zombie apocalypse. I actually love the art, but the text is terrible. Too much showing, not enough telling, and not enough “guided instruction.” Honestly, his guided instruction did not even give the students a chance to deduce how to look for or find certain things. Yes, in a Zombie Apocalypse, you have a limited amount of time, but I’m sure the students could have figured out some more about zombies by applying some research skills he introduced them to (I’m a firm believer in “guide on the side”). I wanted so much for this graphic novel, but instead it falls into that category of “too much obvious lesson, not enough hinted lesson.”
I sincerely wish this library luck in getting this into student’s hands. The nerds will devour this. Graphic novel enthusiasts will devour this. Unfortunately they will enjoy this for all the wrong reasons, which I outlined above, if it even makes it into their hands.
---------------------------------------------
*In college, friends and I used to try to figure out in the event of a zombie apocalypse which building would be the best building to go to for safety. It wasn't the library.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The HarperCollins Issue
"You know, the general public still doesn't know about this," The Philosopher Musician said to me last night after I brought up my continual annoyance at the HarperCollins Issue.
"Yeah. Yet another quiet battle the quiet librarians are fighting for their readers." I said quietly and in disgust.
Despite the NYTimes article, despite BoingBoing, despite the major news circuits and Twitter, I wonder how much the general population realizes is at stake. As I look for more information on this I can't help but find that these are the facts:
What I'm asking for at the moment, is that librarians don't give into this decision. In fact, I say we take it to the public and post a huge notice on the OverDrive page. Those who use the service will see it. We also need to make it clear that something like this is only in the interest of the publisher, not the reader. This is not in the interest of the libraries. Boycotting the books will not help as the works that are popular include HarperCollins works. As it stands, HarperCollins is winning the publicity side of things, too. Of all the (top 5) book publishers, HarperCollins has the social media side down pat. I see tweets daily from HaperTeen and HarperChildren.
Since the digital age began, publishers have seen libraries as "the bad guys." What publishers often see is "$." What librarians see are people and readers. What has happened and what will continue to happen is that readers will get their books the way they've always gotten them: through the library or purchase them, and at that, either used or new. You cannot control the buyer. Please stop trying to control the buyer. This nonsense has to stop. We need the right to purchase a book and to purchase it where we want to purchase it; or, we need the right to borrow it where we want to borrow it.
PS: We can actually make a difference as OverDrive is trying to determine what to do next (I don't expect an answer overnight, but it'd be good if it were before the month is out).
"Yeah. Yet another quiet battle the quiet librarians are fighting for their readers." I said quietly and in disgust.
Despite the NYTimes article, despite BoingBoing, despite the major news circuits and Twitter, I wonder how much the general population realizes is at stake. As I look for more information on this I can't help but find that these are the facts:
- HarperCollins wants to limit circs to 26 times per title (meaning if 50 people want it, 24 are shit out of luck, go buy it, or ask the library to buy more copies but suffer when it comes to other best sellers you want now).
- Librarians are currently trying to boycott HarperCollins from not touching the books to not purchasing (no offense, but not a smart move considering they are quite the mover and shaker in publishing...or rather the publisher a lot of books. Boycotting their eBooks makes more sense).
- A lot more is at stake than I think people realize (Librarian by Day).
What I'm asking for at the moment, is that librarians don't give into this decision. In fact, I say we take it to the public and post a huge notice on the OverDrive page. Those who use the service will see it. We also need to make it clear that something like this is only in the interest of the publisher, not the reader. This is not in the interest of the libraries. Boycotting the books will not help as the works that are popular include HarperCollins works. As it stands, HarperCollins is winning the publicity side of things, too. Of all the (top 5) book publishers, HarperCollins has the social media side down pat. I see tweets daily from HaperTeen and HarperChildren.
Since the digital age began, publishers have seen libraries as "the bad guys." What publishers often see is "$." What librarians see are people and readers. What has happened and what will continue to happen is that readers will get their books the way they've always gotten them: through the library or purchase them, and at that, either used or new. You cannot control the buyer. Please stop trying to control the buyer. This nonsense has to stop. We need the right to purchase a book and to purchase it where we want to purchase it; or, we need the right to borrow it where we want to borrow it.
PS: We can actually make a difference as OverDrive is trying to determine what to do next (I don't expect an answer overnight, but it'd be good if it were before the month is out).
Friday, January 7, 2011
Challenges: Wrap-up 2010 and 2011 Challenges
In 2010, I participated (sort of, I guess?) in 3 reading challenges. First, I would like to say that I enjoy the challenges (and there are a zillion out there on any reading thing you want to do). On the one hand, I'll read or listen to the books anyway, on the other hand, it forces me to try and focus on something new, such as hunting down the next fun audio book to listen to.
So, how did I do? I'm going to go from worst to best.
First, we have the Terry Pratchett Challenge. I made a valiant effort on this one, which The Philosopher Musician is happy about, but my mood for Pratchett just never aligned with us in the car on the trips to family/grad school visits. We started three audio books but I just wasn't in the mood or we talked instead (whoops?). My attempts included Good Omens, A Hat Full of Sky (I'm up to 3 attempts and I finally purchased a copy after finding it in Goodwill), and Nation1 (The Philosopher Musician determined it would be better physically read than to listen to ["No offense to Stephen Briggs and all" - The Philosopher Musician])
Goal: 3 books
Total: 0
1 Nation, I HAD listened to in 2009, and still think it should have gotten the Printz award over the actual 2009 winner, which was a "no one really had heard of this book." He's done a lot for reading (and now for Alzheimer's), why can't he get SOME ALA award?
Next up, we have the Graphic Novel Challenge. Even though I read graphic novels, I decided to challenge myself to a feat I've been hoping to accomplish: read my way through an ALA Great Graphic Novel list. The focus on this one was to read through at least 10 of the ALA Great Graphic Novel List of 2010. I thought I had but...
Goal: 10 books
Total: 8 books
Last and best is my favorite and probably most successful challenge: The Audio Book Challenge. Audio books are really fun. I honestly have to say that I enjoy the change of pace by letting a narrator guide me through a story (and a GOOD narrator to boot; if they annoy me, I'll look for another book). Out of all of the audio books (which I'll list for you below since the former website does not have a finished list), The Hunger Games trilogy was my favorite. I would yell out while I was listening to it. I was glued to the story, and I wanted errands to run just so I could work through another disc. I was excited to be part of the Mockingjay hype. I generally miss out on the excitement of counting down to these books, but there I was trying to determined which "Team" I was. Since finishing the books, I have recommended listening to the series often, and two of the people I recommended it to (both librarians) said that I was right, and it is fascinating to hear.
Goal: 6 audio books
Total: 8 audio books (woo!)
The list:
--------------------------------------
If you've read this far, kudos. I know that is a lot of text (or at least it looks like it on my small computer).
Now for this year's Challenges (aka goals)! For 2011, so far I'm doing two challenges:
The 2011 Audio Book Challenge
Goal: Fascinated at 6 Audio books again.
Aiming for: Addicted at 12 Audio books.
The 2011 Graphic Novel Challenge
Goal: Expert Level 10+
Limiters: 11 GNs from the 2011 ALA Great Graphic Novels List (which comes out NEXT WEEK! I hope my suggestions made the cut!)
Aiming for: as many as I can read from this list.
So, how did I do? I'm going to go from worst to best.
First, we have the Terry Pratchett Challenge. I made a valiant effort on this one, which The Philosopher Musician is happy about, but my mood for Pratchett just never aligned with us in the car on the trips to family/grad school visits. We started three audio books but I just wasn't in the mood or we talked instead (whoops?). My attempts included Good Omens, A Hat Full of Sky (I'm up to 3 attempts and I finally purchased a copy after finding it in Goodwill), and Nation1 (The Philosopher Musician determined it would be better physically read than to listen to ["No offense to Stephen Briggs and all" - The Philosopher Musician])
Goal: 3 books
Total: 0
1 Nation, I HAD listened to in 2009, and still think it should have gotten the Printz award over the actual 2009 winner, which was a "no one really had heard of this book." He's done a lot for reading (and now for Alzheimer's), why can't he get SOME ALA award?
Next up, we have the Graphic Novel Challenge. Even though I read graphic novels, I decided to challenge myself to a feat I've been hoping to accomplish: read my way through an ALA Great Graphic Novel list. The focus on this one was to read through at least 10 of the ALA Great Graphic Novel List of 2010. I thought I had but...
Goal: 10 books
Total: 8 books
Last and best is my favorite and probably most successful challenge: The Audio Book Challenge. Audio books are really fun. I honestly have to say that I enjoy the change of pace by letting a narrator guide me through a story (and a GOOD narrator to boot; if they annoy me, I'll look for another book). Out of all of the audio books (which I'll list for you below since the former website does not have a finished list), The Hunger Games trilogy was my favorite. I would yell out while I was listening to it. I was glued to the story, and I wanted errands to run just so I could work through another disc. I was excited to be part of the Mockingjay hype. I generally miss out on the excitement of counting down to these books, but there I was trying to determined which "Team" I was. Since finishing the books, I have recommended listening to the series often, and two of the people I recommended it to (both librarians) said that I was right, and it is fascinating to hear.
Goal: 6 audio books
Total: 8 audio books (woo!)
The list:
- 1.) Going Bovine by Libba Bray (completed March 9, 2010)
- 2.) The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart (completed April 2010)
- 3.) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (completed June 2010)
- 4.) Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (completed July 2010)
- 5.) Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith (completed August 2010)
- 6.) Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (completed September 2010)
- 7.) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (completed later September 2010)
- 8.) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare (completed October 2010)
--------------------------------------
If you've read this far, kudos. I know that is a lot of text (or at least it looks like it on my small computer).
Now for this year's Challenges (aka goals)! For 2011, so far I'm doing two challenges:
The 2011 Audio Book Challenge
Goal: Fascinated at 6 Audio books again.
Aiming for: Addicted at 12 Audio books.
The 2011 Graphic Novel Challenge
Goal: Expert Level 10+
Limiters: 11 GNs from the 2011 ALA Great Graphic Novels List (which comes out NEXT WEEK! I hope my suggestions made the cut!)
Aiming for: as many as I can read from this list.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Things Librairans Should Unlearn: Comic Book Edition!
[This week's review will be posted in a few days so I can join in on the Manga Movable Feast! YAY!]
I was inspired by Joyce Valenza's post (which was inspired by this post) earlier this week about what Teacher Librarians Should Unlearn and her challenge to create a meme based off of this was almost impossible to resist.
So I present to you, Things Librarians Should Unlearn: Comic Book Edition. This collaborative effort by me, The Philosopher Musician, and Sir Shanley hope to enlighten you about some common misconceptions about comics and the library.
Things Librarians Should Unlearn: Comic Book Edition
I was inspired by Joyce Valenza's post (which was inspired by this post) earlier this week about what Teacher Librarians Should Unlearn and her challenge to create a meme based off of this was almost impossible to resist.
So I present to you, Things Librarians Should Unlearn: Comic Book Edition. This collaborative effort by me, The Philosopher Musician, and Sir Shanley hope to enlighten you about some common misconceptions about comics and the library.
Things Librarians Should Unlearn: Comic Book Edition
- Graphic novels are not literature
- Graphic novels and comic books do not belong in the library
- All graphic novels should only be shelved in the [adult, teen, or children's] collection.
- The ALA Great Graphic Novel Lists, professional titles, and professional journals are the best and, in fact, only graphic novel collection development tools out there.
- Book to graphic novel adaptations are usually awesome and a must have. Especially classic books and authors.
- Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and DragonBall Z are the best examples of manga.
- Anime and manga titles we don't recognize are probably dirty, violent, and pornographic.
- Only social outcasts and reluctant readers read graphic novels.
- Only children read comics.
- Librarians don't read comics.
Friday, August 27, 2010
ALA Great Graphic Novel Nominations for 2011 (1)
I wrote this way back when the list was first published and am only now getting around to posting this. Yay for Grad School distraction! I have since read some of the titles, which I will post reviews of soon.
Somewhere on my Twitter feed, I saw this Tweet that the Nomination for the Great Graphic Novels of 2011 is available. While this is excited news, can I be honest with you? As a librarian and an avid graphic novel reader, even though I'm not as in touch as I have been, about 80% of these titles are no where to be found on my blog rolls nor what I have seen circulating in the library. I mean, where's Gaiman's Whatever Happened To the Caped Crusader? (Ok, a little research shows this should have been on the 2010 list. I nearly CRIED over the brilliance of it). Where's Chi's Sweet Home which looks like it is going to be everyone's favorite all-ages GN (DAWWWWWWWWWW! Expect a review!). I find it uneasy that I don't recognize even half of the nominations.
I honestly feel like I shouldn't complain. I'm not on the committee (yet, but intend to after grad school), but honestly, I'm not that excited about this list. I mean, 2010 had many titles I recognized, wanted to read, and were, I thought, good picks, but this list? I recognize more titles as I look at it, but then I notice all the "book-to-graphic-novel" suggestions, which are seriously hit and miss. I just read a Marvel adaptation that almost killed the book for me (except there are great movie adaptions-expect a review) and one title on this list, when I post the review, isn't pretty as well. And speaking of book-to-GN adaptations, where is the infamous (I didn't/couldn't finish it) Twilight GN? Didn't the book make it to one of the other lists? Or Maximum Ride?
Maybe as a GN reader, I have different expectations of the Great Graphic Novel list, but I think there should be more to the list than book adaptations, or just what looks like it'll work. Yes, plot is important, but we also like pure fluff and sometimes the really zany.
Somewhere on my Twitter feed, I saw this Tweet that the Nomination for the Great Graphic Novels of 2011 is available. While this is excited news, can I be honest with you? As a librarian and an avid graphic novel reader, even though I'm not as in touch as I have been, about 80% of these titles are no where to be found on my blog rolls nor what I have seen circulating in the library. I mean, where's Gaiman's Whatever Happened To the Caped Crusader? (Ok, a little research shows this should have been on the 2010 list. I nearly CRIED over the brilliance of it). Where's Chi's Sweet Home which looks like it is going to be everyone's favorite all-ages GN (DAWWWWWWWWWW! Expect a review!). I find it uneasy that I don't recognize even half of the nominations.
I honestly feel like I shouldn't complain. I'm not on the committee (yet, but intend to after grad school), but honestly, I'm not that excited about this list. I mean, 2010 had many titles I recognized, wanted to read, and were, I thought, good picks, but this list? I recognize more titles as I look at it, but then I notice all the "book-to-graphic-novel" suggestions, which are seriously hit and miss. I just read a Marvel adaptation that almost killed the book for me (except there are great movie adaptions-expect a review) and one title on this list, when I post the review, isn't pretty as well. And speaking of book-to-GN adaptations, where is the infamous (I didn't/couldn't finish it) Twilight GN? Didn't the book make it to one of the other lists? Or Maximum Ride?
Maybe as a GN reader, I have different expectations of the Great Graphic Novel list, but I think there should be more to the list than book adaptations, or just what looks like it'll work. Yes, plot is important, but we also like pure fluff and sometimes the really zany.
Comics and Education: Links
First, I must say that the following has nothing to do with my politics. In fact, I'm not even in this particular state, so I assume it doesn't really matter, but just wanted to let you know.
When I first clicked on this link ("An Open Letter to Maryland State Senator Nancy King", ReTweeted by J. Torres from Dean Trippe) in my twitter feed today, I could not stop laughing at the picture. Seriously, the link that laying off teachers means kids will go off and read comics and not learn anything? I just had to laugh.
Unfortunately, I can't believe this stereotype is still around today. I mean, this stereotype goes way back (thinking the stuff from 1950s/1960s). I link it to you today because Dean Trippe has a lot of good things to say about comics and education. In fact, he even links to a non-profit that is linking educational comics to teachers.
------
Speaking of comics, tomorrow is International Read Comics in Public Day. I'll find a way to participate even though I'm working...
When I first clicked on this link ("An Open Letter to Maryland State Senator Nancy King", ReTweeted by J. Torres from Dean Trippe) in my twitter feed today, I could not stop laughing at the picture. Seriously, the link that laying off teachers means kids will go off and read comics and not learn anything? I just had to laugh.
Unfortunately, I can't believe this stereotype is still around today. I mean, this stereotype goes way back (thinking the stuff from 1950s/1960s). I link it to you today because Dean Trippe has a lot of good things to say about comics and education. In fact, he even links to a non-profit that is linking educational comics to teachers.
------
Speaking of comics, tomorrow is International Read Comics in Public Day. I'll find a way to participate even though I'm working...
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
YA to PA, in which I rant about the state of things
As someone who has been a PA librarian for 9 years now (HA! I did it, I told you my state) I have watched the world of YA grow in PA Library Land. I started my interest in YA from my own interest in the literature as a teen. In my undergrad, I was able to run a Teen Summer Reading program which helped me become a Teen Program Person. I've also watched the state of things deteriorate rapidly. So, I feel I can say a few things about what I see going on.
From The Story Siren, I've just learned about this initiative called "PAYA: Bringing (More) YA to PA." On one hand, I'm sorry to say I'm insulted. The libraries in the county I work in (and I might be able to comment on the county I live in), have YA books all ready in the library. This space may be a shelf or two, or a whole room, but there are attempts at YA spaces in PA libraries, no matter how small.
What we really need help in is staff. I was told once that grants for personnel are difficult to find, and even then, the position only lasts a certain time before the library has to decide if it is something to keep or not, and in this time, if the library can't find the money, BYE BYE (sadly). A colleague of mine who works in Youth Services had to give up YA due to staff leaving and vacancies not being filled. My hours were cut back (no lost pay). Other libraries have had to decrease or completely eliminate teen programs because of that word: Funding.
As you may or may not know, PA just had a 40% cut or so from the state budget last year. This year we're facing 10% again, and again the gambling money is being used to try and save parts of the budget. We haven't seen these funding numbers for year. Gov. Ridge finally brought us up into respectable funding levels. Now we're back to disgraceful. The state was technically never supposed to cover public library services (completely). It was supposed to be municipalities and counties who picked up the tab. Some municipalities refuse to pick up the tab. Others contribute what they can, but it is not enough. Everyone is facing cuts right now, not just the state, but counties, municipalities, etc. All departments are facing budget woes including fire departments and police. All of these institutions that help us are facing budget woes and some of the funding is inappropriate. (Gambling money to fund education?).
All in all, Young Adult services are "a luxury." Most programs, if a library has it are run by Youth Services librarians who prefer children's story times, or assistant directors who have other duties and can only contribute a few hours, or directors who are the one wo/man show. Those who want to do the job are either over qualified, can't work part time for certain reasons, or are Youth Services librarians who have to choose one or the other because the library is a busy place and the parents are easier to reach than the teens.
Instead of bringing More YA to PA, why not advocate as to WHY we need more YA in PA? The librarians are with you (you just need to contact us instead of the other book blogs!). It is the public the school admins, the county big-wigs who needs to see this. We need to change the terminology from YA to teen. We need to show that early literacy and teen literacy are equally important. The teens who drop off at this point may never return and this is WHY we need teen services, library professionals who recognize teen reading habits, who recognize that teens are going through crazy times, who recognize that in this crazy world, the library can be that "third place," that safe haven that teens need and one that parents recognize.
From The Story Siren, I've just learned about this initiative called "PAYA: Bringing (More) YA to PA." On one hand, I'm sorry to say I'm insulted. The libraries in the county I work in (and I might be able to comment on the county I live in), have YA books all ready in the library. This space may be a shelf or two, or a whole room, but there are attempts at YA spaces in PA libraries, no matter how small.
What we really need help in is staff. I was told once that grants for personnel are difficult to find, and even then, the position only lasts a certain time before the library has to decide if it is something to keep or not, and in this time, if the library can't find the money, BYE BYE (sadly). A colleague of mine who works in Youth Services had to give up YA due to staff leaving and vacancies not being filled. My hours were cut back (no lost pay). Other libraries have had to decrease or completely eliminate teen programs because of that word: Funding.
As you may or may not know, PA just had a 40% cut or so from the state budget last year. This year we're facing 10% again, and again the gambling money is being used to try and save parts of the budget. We haven't seen these funding numbers for year. Gov. Ridge finally brought us up into respectable funding levels. Now we're back to disgraceful. The state was technically never supposed to cover public library services (completely). It was supposed to be municipalities and counties who picked up the tab. Some municipalities refuse to pick up the tab. Others contribute what they can, but it is not enough. Everyone is facing cuts right now, not just the state, but counties, municipalities, etc. All departments are facing budget woes including fire departments and police. All of these institutions that help us are facing budget woes and some of the funding is inappropriate. (Gambling money to fund education?).
All in all, Young Adult services are "a luxury." Most programs, if a library has it are run by Youth Services librarians who prefer children's story times, or assistant directors who have other duties and can only contribute a few hours, or directors who are the one wo/man show. Those who want to do the job are either over qualified, can't work part time for certain reasons, or are Youth Services librarians who have to choose one or the other because the library is a busy place and the parents are easier to reach than the teens.
Instead of bringing More YA to PA, why not advocate as to WHY we need more YA in PA? The librarians are with you (you just need to contact us instead of the other book blogs!). It is the public the school admins, the county big-wigs who needs to see this. We need to change the terminology from YA to teen. We need to show that early literacy and teen literacy are equally important. The teens who drop off at this point may never return and this is WHY we need teen services, library professionals who recognize teen reading habits, who recognize that teens are going through crazy times, who recognize that in this crazy world, the library can be that "third place," that safe haven that teens need and one that parents recognize.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
SLJ Cover - Yet another voice
So, the library book review blogosphere is buzzing with the controversy over School Library Journal's "November Cover."
For a recap, here's the link...with comments from others.
What are this Little Librarian's thoughts on it? Well, thanks to ReadingRants on Twitter, I knew the photo shoot was 1.) during daylight hours and 2.) no drinking was really occuring. Either way, the choice of a bar for the photo still didn't make sense to me until someone mentioned (in the comments) the quote is a play off of a beer ad. To be frank, that was a creative idea and I really enjoyed the "This Blog's for You!" as a hook to get me to look at the article.The article itself is very well written and I gained a lot of new knowledge and resources in preparing this blog ("graphic novel reviews for librarians by a librarian who loves graphic novels and other stuff").
The photo: Well, I really don't have any thoughts on it. As a 20-something librarian, I am not surprised about the drinking side of things. Librarians drink. Only about 10% of the librarians I know don't drink (me included for personal reasons). Think back to the last conference you attended. Think back to the latest SCHOOL librarian conference you attended. Every social event included some sort of drinking event at least once a day. I met a favorite author at a drinking thing. I ran into my mentors at open bar in the hotel lobby. Both at a school librarian conference. On the other hand, at public librarian conferences it seems expected we drink.
Friends, librarians drink (water, beer, wine, tea, coffee, chocolate milk, etc).
Also, who sees SLJ in your school? If you are good about your mail, it goes in a box and you read it in the office because heaven forbid you should be caught reading it at the desk (this is my opinion - I could be wrong, but that's me). Also, the only people who see this professional title are other teachers and yourself. Students generally don't know it exists. Believe me on this one. Photos don't influence children and teens to drink, people do. Besides, by the time a child is six, they know about bars and drinking. How they understand that is different. In my opinion, the cover is harmless and at first glance, you don't know it's a bar, especially from a distance. Heck, I had to search for the martinis because I didn't realize they were there.
In fact, the children's librairan and myself discussed this cover and we were saying "Who do you think is the more friendly person?"
If you have a problem with the cover, I am going to be blunt: wake up. Realize we are human and realize we drink. Realize that the "tea-drinking" librarian is a stereotype and it's time to move on or you'll be left behind.
For a recap, here's the link...with comments from others.
What are this Little Librarian's thoughts on it? Well, thanks to ReadingRants on Twitter, I knew the photo shoot was 1.) during daylight hours and 2.) no drinking was really occuring. Either way, the choice of a bar for the photo still didn't make sense to me until someone mentioned (in the comments) the quote is a play off of a beer ad. To be frank, that was a creative idea and I really enjoyed the "This Blog's for You!" as a hook to get me to look at the article.The article itself is very well written and I gained a lot of new knowledge and resources in preparing this blog ("graphic novel reviews for librarians by a librarian who loves graphic novels and other stuff").
The photo: Well, I really don't have any thoughts on it. As a 20-something librarian, I am not surprised about the drinking side of things. Librarians drink. Only about 10% of the librarians I know don't drink (me included for personal reasons). Think back to the last conference you attended. Think back to the latest SCHOOL librarian conference you attended. Every social event included some sort of drinking event at least once a day. I met a favorite author at a drinking thing. I ran into my mentors at open bar in the hotel lobby. Both at a school librarian conference. On the other hand, at public librarian conferences it seems expected we drink.
Friends, librarians drink (water, beer, wine, tea, coffee, chocolate milk, etc).
Also, who sees SLJ in your school? If you are good about your mail, it goes in a box and you read it in the office because heaven forbid you should be caught reading it at the desk (this is my opinion - I could be wrong, but that's me). Also, the only people who see this professional title are other teachers and yourself. Students generally don't know it exists. Believe me on this one. Photos don't influence children and teens to drink, people do. Besides, by the time a child is six, they know about bars and drinking. How they understand that is different. In my opinion, the cover is harmless and at first glance, you don't know it's a bar, especially from a distance. Heck, I had to search for the martinis because I didn't realize they were there.
In fact, the children's librairan and myself discussed this cover and we were saying "Who do you think is the more friendly person?"
If you have a problem with the cover, I am going to be blunt: wake up. Realize we are human and realize we drink. Realize that the "tea-drinking" librarian is a stereotype and it's time to move on or you'll be left behind.
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