As the world becomes more digitized, people increasingly rely on online Reading for information and leisure. However, reading on screens for extended periods can cause eye strain and fatigue, leading to a less than an optimal reading experience. Fortunately, the UAlberta Library provides resources and tools to improve your online reading experience.
Reading Lists Feature
One of the primary resources available at the UAlberta Library is the Reading Lists feature. This feature allows students to create lists of resources for assignments and keep them all in one place. With the immediate accessibility of links that work from off-campus, students can access their course materials quickly and efficiently. This tool also allows students to add notes, track their progress, and have location information at their fingertips. This feature helps to minimize the time spent searching for resources, allowing for more time to read and absorb the content.
Communication Feature
The UAlberta Library provides resources to help users access their services, including a chat feature, which allows users to communicate with library staff and receive assistance with any queries. In addition, they offer extensive Covid-19 policies and updates to ensure the safety of their users. It is important to note that the University of Alberta Library acknowledges that it is located on Treaty 6 and Métis territory, and they respect these Indigenous peoples’ histories, languages, and cultures.
Physical Space
The UAlberta Library also provides physical spaces that offer excellent Reading environments, including the Rutherford Humanities, Social Sciences, & Education Library, the most extensive Library on campus and Canada’s second-largest research library. Additionally, FreeBook User Experience in the Library, a resource featuring contributions from experts in their field, including Andy Priestner, the manager of Cambridge University’s pioneering FutureLib innovation program, is available for users who wish to learn more about user experience and design thinking to develop new library services.
It is important to note that prolonged screen time can lead to long-term eye damage. Thisombat this is because the UAlberta Library provides resources that help reduce eye strain, such as appropriate lighting and devices with low blue light emission.
UAlberta online bookstore
The UAlberta bookstore is an online resource that provides students access to textbooks, course materials, and other academic resources. The bookstore website allows students to search for and purchase required course materials and browse for optional texts and study aids.
In addition to physical textbooks, the UAlberta bookstore also offers digital course materials such as e-books and online study guides. The website also includes a textbook buyback program, which allows students to sell back their used textbooks for cash or store credit.
The UAlberta bookstore website is accessible to all students enrolled in courses at the university and is a convenient way to purchase required course materials without leaving campus.
Improving Experience Tips
As the internet becomes more integrated into our daily lives, digital Reading has become a widespread practice. More people are accessing books, articles, and other resources online. This trend has also been noticed in the UAlberta Library, which has a vast collection of electronic resources that are accessible to students, faculty members, and staff members. However, as with any form of Reading, the online reading experience can be challenging for people. Get to know about Ayan Academy the Best Language Learning eBook Library.
Adjust the Display Settings
Your device’s display settings play a crucial role in the online reading experience. You can adjust your device’s brightness, contrast, and text size to make the reading experience more comfortable. Most devices have a night mode option that reduces the blue light emitted by the screen, which can help reduce eye strain. Adjusting the display settings can significantly impact the online reading experience.
Use Text-to-Speech Tools
If you find reading text on a screen challenging, you can use text-to-speech tools. These tools can read the text aloud, making it easier for you to understand the content. Most devices have built-in text-to-speech tools, or you can use online tools like Natural Reader or Google Text-to-Speech. Text-to-speech tools can be handy when you multitask, as you can listen to the text while doing something else.
Use Reading Aids
Reading aids like highlighters, bookmarks, and notes can be helpful when reading online. Highlighters are used to mark valuable information, bookmarks are used to save your progress, and messages are used to jot down ideas or questions. Most online reading platforms have built-in reading aids, or you can use browser extensions like Hypothesis. Using reading aids can make the online reading experience more interactive and engaging.
Take Breaks
Reading text on a screen can be tiring for the eyes and the brain. It is essential to take breaks regularly to avoid eye strain and mental fatigue. You can take short breaks every 20-30 minutes to rest your eyes and stretch your muscles. You can also try the 20-20-20 rule, which suggests looking away from the screen every 20 minutes and focusing on something twenty feet away for 20 seconds. Taking breaks can help you maintain focus and prevent burnout.
Use Good Reading Habits
Proficient reading habits like active Reading and skimming can be helpful when reading online. Active Reading involves engaging with the text by asking questions, making connections, and reflecting on the content. Skimming involves quickly scanning the reader to get an overview of the content. Both active Reading and skimming can be helpful when reading online, as they can help you understand the content more efficiently.
Use the Library’s Resources
The University of Alberta Libraries has electronic resources, including e-books, e-journals, and databases. These resources are accessible to students, faculty members, and staff members. The library also offers tutorials and workshops on how to use these resources effectively. Using the Library’s resources can make the online reading experience more comprehensive and engaging.
Conclusion
The UAlberta Library offers resources and tools to help users improve their online reading experience. The Reading Lists feature, tips, and tricks suggested by experts, chat feature, and physical spaces are just an example of how the library works to provide an optimal experience for its users. The library also offers resources to help reduce eye strain and fatigue, ensuring the long-term health of its users.
