As the world shifts to digital learning, e-reader apps have become an essential tool for students and educators alike. However, this convenience has sparked a heated debate over app user experience, with some parents pushing for bans on certain apps due to concerns about book content.
In several states, conservative parents have targeted e-reader apps and the companies behind them, demanding that schools and public libraries shut down their digital programs. This culture war is centered around books in schools and public libraries, where access to diverse voices has become a point of contention.
One school superintendent pulled his system's e-reader offline for a week, cutting off access for 40,000 students after a parent discovered LGBTQ+ pride-themed books on her kindergartner's laptop. In another instance, county officials cut off access to the OverDrive digital library, prompting a federal lawsuit against the county.
OverDrive, which has been a gateway to e-books for two decades through apps like Libby and Sora, is used by 75,000 libraries and institutions worldwide. According to CEO Steve Potash, individuals who are not supporters of diverse voices are creating an alarm without reading the material. He stands with librarians and professionals in trusting their curated collections.
The ease with which thousands of book titles can be removed has become a revelation for some users of e-reader apps, which have become part of the basic digital infrastructure at many schools and public libraries. These apps offer readers the convenience of accessing e-books, which are often licensed from publishers for a set period.
While printed books remain an essential part of education, e-readers have become a valuable tool for diversifying digital shelves, especially after racial justice protests drew attention to the lack of diversity in traditional institutions. However, this convenience has also led to concerns about censorship, with parents now able to easily search digital collections and request that school administrators limit access.
"The terrifying thing is that they can be censored with the flip of a switch, without due process, without evaluating the substance of the claims," said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom at the American Library Association. She emphasized that book-ban campaigns have now turned their attention to tech startups that run apps, which had existed for years without controversy.
As the debate over app user experience continues, parents like Kimberly Hough are speaking out about the impact on students. Her 9-year-old noticed immediately when the Epic app disappeared due to concerns over content, and her daughter relied heavily on it during the pandemic.
The removal of Epic from Brevard Public Schools is just one example of how this culture war has played out. According to Russell Bruhn, a spokesperson for the district, the decision was made in response to a new Florida law requiring book-by-book reviews of online libraries. While no specific books had concerned school officials, they decided the collection needed review.
In conclusion, the app user experience is under siege as conservative parents push for bans on certain e-reader apps due to concerns over book content. As educators and librarians continue to navigate this culture war, it's essential to prioritize diversity, inclusivity, and free access to information.