Paper or Pixels: Methods to Track Summer Reading

Now that Summer Reading is over, we can take the time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t work, and how to improve our services for future years. Given larger-scale concerns about screen time and technology usage, it’s timely to evaluate the format of summer reading logs at the library: should we use physical logs or digital apps? There are pros and cons to both methods. This blog post will delve into each as well as discuss where this falls in the scope of current events. 

Current Events: Screen-Free Experiences

Across the United States, we are seeing initiatives for more screen-free experiences, from schools enacting cell phone policies and a push for reducing time on school-issued Chromebooks and other devices. Parents and families are concerned about the amount of time children spend using devices and the negative consequences on executive functioning are becoming more apparent. 

Given this context, in my opinion, we should ask ourselves: just because a digital option is available, should it be used? This is not an anti-tech opinion, rather bringing awareness to a larger issue and the role that the library plays within it. In the context of Summer Reading, our choice of tracking method is in part for patron experience and part for data collection on library staff members. Below are a few positives of each method to help discern an appropriate choice for your library. 

Positives of Physical Logs

This can look like a paper reading log, a Bingo board, or other physical tracking system. It could be writing titles, coloring in spaces to track hours read, and more.

• Offers a hands-on, tactile experience.
• Helps to build fine motor skills for holding a pencil and other writing tools.
• May help to practice number/letter recognition through writing.
• Offers a screen free, “unplugged” experience.
• Reduces digital divide amongst patrons who may not have a device to record.

Positives of Digital Logs

This can look like using a platform like Beanstack, Google Forms, or another kind of technology-based digital tracking system. 

• Convenient for families to track their reading on their devices. 
• No need to hold onto physical reading logs, which could be especially helpful for larger families with multiple children.  
• Some digital platforms offer badges to gamify reading for motivation. 
• On the staff end, there are less discrepancies for human error with data collection.
• Builds familiarity with technology tools in our digital world.

Takeaways

Ultimately, every library community will have a different perspective and need. Both physical and digital tracking methods are useful and fulfill different needs for patrons and library staff. What are you seeing in your community?

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Joannie Lauria is the Youth Services Consultant at the Suffolk Cooperative Library System in New York.