Digital titles and ebooks often complement traditional, paperback books, but the COVID-19 pandemic flipped things upside down in education. Like its impact on most things in our lives, it pushed schools and districts to embrace and adapt. Between book drop-offs, pop-up outside libraries and more, librarians worked outside the box to ensure students had access to diverse reading materials. Digital reading solutions became the go-to, allowing educators to provide instant access to thousands of different reading materials. Students discovered the advantages of the digital world and while classes are back in-person now, digital reading solutions continue to provide options.
Digital Reading Post-Pandemic
It's well-documented that reading on devices increased. The pandemic hastened students' exposure to digital reading, but now that libraries are open, we see more students continuing to read on devices. Advantages of digital reading include being able to:
● Read anytime and anywhere 24/7, even when buildings are closed
● Move between devices
● Change font sizes and background when needed
● Easily move from one genre to another
● Scan easily
Still, some students insist on reading print, perhaps because they like the smell or feel of the pages or find it easier to comprehend the material.
Audiobooks as An Option
Audiobooks are popular with a particular segment of students because they’re a great way to multitask, allowing readers to listen while also doing other things. Plus, contrary to what people think, audiobooks can provide the same level of engagement as an ebook or print book.
In fact, some students seem to comprehend the material more when listening versus reading text. Audiobooks are widely used by teachers of non-native English speakers, students who struggle to read and non-readers. All in all, they’re another way that libraries can offer students more choices that meet their needs and preferences.
Choice and Options Are Important
Whether students are reading digitally, by print or via audiobooks, it's important to offer a variety of options. As librarians, we compete for students’ time with social media and online games. To encourage students to read, we need to set aside time for reading and offer choices, whether it’s topics, genres or formats. Understanding the benefits, the motivations and the types of topics they're attracted to allows us to encourage more robust reading habits. It's wise not to underestimate the attraction of the current "cool" books read by their friends.
At New Caney Independent School District in New Caney, Texas, book series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dog Man are still immensely popular, even though both have been around since 2007 and 2016, respectively. They're funny, relatable and offer a relaxing respite from everyday academics. While we encourage students to read widely, for those testing out the digital platform, familiar titles are a comfortable first step.
Graphic Novels are More Popular Than Ever
One of the most popular genres in our district is graphic novels. These novels are filled with ample illustrations to help promote and contextualize the story, but don't be fooled into thinking they lack sophistication. Graphic novels have complex plots, developed characters and conflicts that encourage students to decode, analyze and comprehend.
The fact that these novels have drawings and illustrations is a bonus, especially for reluctant readers who may need help with comprehension. The images support the development of the stories and are enjoyed by all students. Recommending graphic novels is a great way to get students to read.
An Expansive Book Collection Opens New Doors
Encouraging students to read depends on an expansive book collection and the knowledge and enthusiasm of the librarian. They are drawn to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series out of familiarity. Aside from being funny, the series offers well-loved, familiar characters who navigate relatable situations.
Librarians can nudge students into cross-genre reading and expand their exposure to other topics that promote self-discovery. For example, adding titles to a digital library with books made into movies or TV shows can heighten students’ interest in new topics, whereas recommending only the classics we read as kids might backfire. We need to let go of our reading biases and meet students where they are. While today’s librarians grew up reading print, students today are on digital devices all the time. Librarians can attract reluctant readers by offering books on a device they already know.
Know Your Students
Librarians are uniquely equipped to help students choose books. Aside from chatting with them about their choices, librarians use data to give them a more profound knowledge of each student's likes and interests. With this knowledge, librarians successfully guide students to expand their horizons and explore new topics. This data also comes in handy when making purchasing decisions for the library.
The Future of Reading: A Combination of Digital and Print
I don't see a gravitation to reading solely on digital devices, but the numbers show that digital reading is increasing, especially since the pandemic. Students are used to being on digital devices, and a Pew Internet Research study concluded in January that three in ten Americans read ebooks. But it also concluded that 33 percent of Americans enjoy reading both digitally and in print. Digital reading will continue to increase with time, but print will always be an option—even if part-time—for many students.
It's Time to Embrace Digital Reading
Reading habits are changing, and the pandemic hastened ebook reading exponentially. Whether students read digitally, in print or via audiobooks, some common factors are in play. Choice and options have always been the driving force for successful student reading engagement. However, digital reading solutions have helped improve the all-around reading experience at the K–12 level.
Embrace the change. Encourage students to expand their reading by offering choices and options and watch your efforts blossom.
About the author
Stacy Cameron is the Coordinator of Library Services and Instructional Materials at New Caney Independent School District in New Caney, Texas.
