Building a Better Book (in the browser): Using HTML5 to Transform and Unlock Book Content

Clark, Jason and Young, Scott (2013) Building a Better Book (in the browser): Using HTML5 to Transform and Unlock Book Content. In: Access Conference 2013, September 23-26, 2013, St. John's, NL. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Reading and the legacy of the book are cornerstones of the library as place and service. Too often, our library discussions have centered on the loss of the book artifact with not enough attention being given to the new forms of the book enabled by the web. In this presentation, we will look at a beta HTML5 framework developed for a Montana State University History class project to publish a book in the browser (http://arc.lib.montana.edu/book/home-cooking-history-409/). Along with an analysis of these possibilities in the library setting, we will survey current efforts to remake the book in the web development and publishing world and bring the discussion to Access. Among the technical highlights we will discuss: - Applying CSS3 to help create linear, readable layouts - Building microdata to create structured data that turns books into APIs - Creating searchable and findable content with semantic HTML5 markup - Analyzing new metrics of interaction and use that are enabled by this new form - Using web services and APIs to supplement and enhance the reading experience Beyond the technical demonstrations and code samples, we will ground our discussion in the concept of the evolving book—what it means for the book as a medium to be hyperlinked, marked up, styled, and analyzed as a full participant in the web of data. Come learn about the possibilities and get energized as we rethink and explore new forms of reading by bringing our primary artifact, the book, into the networked environment.

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