Database Image:
Bibliographic Information:
Title: Hoopla
Author: Various
Vendor: Midwest Tape
Reader’s Annotation:
Music, movies, and more, with no waitlists.
Summary:
This paid database allows teens to access ebooks, audiobooks,
comics, music, television shows, and movies for free as a part of their library
membership. Each user has a limited number of items they can check out
per month. Depending on the item being
borrowed, it may be available for streaming, or for downloading on a mobile
device. There are no wait lists, with
all patrons having access to each item at any time.
Critical Evaluation:
Because there are six different types of materials available in
this database, the setup is somewhat complicated, because each material is in a
different area. However, once you know
what material type you are seeking, the process is fairly intuitive. There are main categories and subcategories
allowing users to browse results and narrow them. You can also filter your results, or search
for a specific material. You can easily
switch between material type using a menu at the top of the page.
The setup of the database is visually appealing. While each page contains a lot of visual
information, such as book or album covers depending on what material you are
searching, there is ample white space on the page to prevent users from getting
overwhelmed. Similarly, the database
seems to be intended for mostly visual browsing. Very little title information appears on the
search results pages. You can, however, click
on a title to get additional information.
One thing I found troublesome is the browsing results pages do
not see to display how many total results there are; for example, when browsing
documentaries, each page shows 50 items, so the header may say something like “Showing
1-50” but you cannot tell if that is out of 100, 1000, or 51.
Author Biography:
Not applicable
Genre(s):
Database, Fiction, Nonfiction, Movies, Series, Comics
Curriculum Ties:
Pennsylvania State Standard CC.1.3.9-10.K
Read and comprehend literary fiction on grade level, reading
independently and proficiently.
Booktalk Ideas:
Book talk on a specific title, particularly one where the book and film versions are both available on Hoopla
A general booktalk on how digital resources benefit patrons, the library, and even the environment
Reading Level:
Not applicable
Interest Age:
13 and up
Challenge Issues: Because teens would also have access
to "mature" materials in this
database, there could be challenges based on adult language, sexuality or
nudity, violence, and substance use represented.
If this database, or any items it contained, were
challenged I would:
· Listen
to the concerns of the person raising the challenge
· Consult
the library’s collection development policy
· Explain
how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy
· Consult
YALSA’s Dealing with
Challenges to Young Adult Materials
· Consult
reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus
· Discuss
any awards or notable commendations the book received
· Explain
the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of
Rights
· Give
the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it
Why was this database selected:
I am including Hoopla as a database because teens are able to
access so many additional materials using this database. The libraries I work at do not have this
database as a resource, but another library I belong to does. I imagine Hoopla is a costly database for
libraries, but given the number of different materials available through it, I
think it is a worthwhile investment. Teens
can access ebooks, audiobooks, movies, television shows, comics, and
music. Of all those areas, all but music
have teen specific categories, making it easier to search for age appropriate materials. Offering resources such as these allows
libraries to stay relevant and competitive in the age of personal technology.
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