Born DigitaleBook Publishing with Teens
Hello There● Amy Holcomb
Youth Technology LibrarianNorthbrook (IL) Public Library
Programming Goal● To facilitate a creative learning experience
for kids, tweens, and teens by modernizing a traditional library program
● Incorporate components of:○ Maker trend○ Book industry○ Variety of media formats○ Socialization○ Recognition
Apprentices of the Book Empire● Fall 2012 for 2nd-6th graders● Author/Illustrator pairs● Library as publisher● Weekly workshops with take-home tasks● Physical book in library collection
Born Digital● Tween/Teen extension of previous
publishing program● Focus on publishing process, copyright, and
self-promotion, not writing● Encourage creative freedom, flexibility● Include original media works
○ Photographs○ Drawings○ Videos○ Songs
● Showcase completed works
Program Overview● 7 weeks
○ Mandatory 1st meeting○ Weekly optional open labs○ Deadline at end of 7 weeks
● Provide workspace and tech tools● Guide in process of publication● Outline catalog records● Showcase success
○ Website, social networks○ In-house signage○ Publish in multiple places
Resources● Pages● iBooks Author and iTunes Producer● Scribd● Leanpub
Scribd
Leanpub
Key Communication● Early communication with Technical
Services● Records included:
○ Unique call number○ 2 subject headings○ Item cat as short stories○ Link to downloadable file○ Short description
Showcase Success
Showcase Success
Where We Went Wrong● Issue with ePub files
○ Relied on Scribd for catalog records● Minimal structure led to dropouts● Issue with iBooks Author accounts
○ Required Apple ID linked to credit card○ Used librarians' accounts○ Hindered author control
● Failed to encourage multidimensional eBook○ Participants did not experiment with media types○ Stuck to text only
For Next Time● Open program up to all ages● Weekly structured workshops
○ Give story to experiment with○ Open up ideas for individual works
● Work with schools to promote program● Encourage media formats
○ Expand novel form concept○ Ex: Picture books with song
● Allow collaboration○ Author/illustrator/composer/videographer teams
Thank you!Please email with [email protected]
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