Session Number M2-05-Ex

M2-05-Ex Concord 10:20 am - 11:10 am

Digital Books in the Library: What does the Research Say? Etienne Vallee, Chief Technology Officer, Moultonborough School District

Level: Intermediate

Digital books have been used in schools for decades and preceded the arrival of the electronic reading tablet, such as the iPad and similar devices. Digital books are now a part of many school library collections. While librarians are regarded as experts in building students' reading engagement and literacy learning, research on the role of print and digital books in this process remains inconclusive, and the roles of digital books in a school library are challenged. Some teachers and administrators contend that listening to an audiobook is not reading, and that reading a digital book hampers reading comprehension. Extensive research has been done in this area, but decisive differences separating reader comprehension and engagement between digital books and print books have not been identified. Differences in reader engagement, reading speed, and immersions have proved inconclusive. This leaves school librarians without reliable guidance, highlighting the need to present a concise summary of current research and measures. This presentation explores the conflicting findings elicited by recent scholarly research and presents recommendations for school librarians on how to better integrate digital books into their collections and their teaching practices.