First-of-its-kind eCourse examines where e-books meet iPad apps

CHICAGO — ALA Editions announces a first-of-its-kind facilitated eCourse, Book as iPad App: Multimedia, Multi-Touch E-Books and their Future in Libraries with Nicole Hennig.

Your patrons trust your recommendations on what to read next, and as the use of iPads proliferates, they will look to you for recommendations on exemplary books as apps. The best of this new breed of apps use the multimedia, multi-touch capabilities of the iPad to extend the concept of the book, creating a new immersive experience for readers. In this eCourse Nicole Hennig, head of the user experience (UX) group for the MIT Libraries, will:

• provide guidance for integrating iPads into your library’s programs and services by facilitating demos of important titles from the most innovative publishers;
• offer benchmarks for evaluating book apps and writing reviews of them;
• lead you in conversation about book apps as you share your reviews with the class.

Each week’s lesson includes a video introduction, readings and ongoing message board discussions. To participate, you will need access to an iPad. It’s recommended that students plan to budget $30–$50 on apps, though additional purchases are not required to take the eCourse. To get the most out of this eCourse you should already be comfortable with using an iPad and purchasing apps.

Learning outcomes:

• a better understanding of the characteristics that make for a quality reading experience in this new format;
• knowledge of where to look for reviews of book apps and what to include when writing your own reviews;
• familiarity with some of the best book apps currently available as well as an understanding of what makes them the best;
• ideas for creative programs and services that you can offer in your library related to iPad book apps.

Nicole Hennig is head of the user experience group for the MIT Libraries. Her expertise includes user experience studies, mobile Web, mobile apps and the user experience of e-reading. She presents frequently on these topics at national and regional conferences. Winner of several awards, including the MIT Libraries Infinite Mile Award for Innovation and Creativity, the MIT Excellence Award for Innovation Solutions and the ASIS&T Chapter Member of the Year, she is the co-creator of the popular website Apps for Academics. She also teaches the online course Apps4Librarians and is co-founder of FeedWelder, an easy-to-use web tool for curating and displaying RSS feed content on websites.

Registration for this ALA Editions facilitated eCourse, which begins on Oct. 15, 2012, can be purchased at the ALA Store. Participants in this course will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection for online message board participation, viewing online video, listening to streaming audio (MP3 files) and downloading and viewing PDF and PowerPoint files.

ALA Editions publishes resources used worldwide by tens of thousands of library and information professionals to improve programs, build on best practices, develop leadership, and for personal professional development. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a growing range of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5418 or editionscoursehelp@ala.org.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness, and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide.