Saturday, November 26, 2016

Hoopla, by Midwest Tape

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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