Research has shown that girls' literacy achievement is significantly higher than that of boys (Brozo, Sulkunen, Shiel, Garbe, Pandian and Valtin, 2014). Not surprisingly, higher engagement in reading is connected with literacy and academic performance. It is critical that libraries support boys in providing appealing material to read, offering digital texts as alternative to print, involving fathers and other adult role models and setting priorities for targeting the boys most at risk (Brozo et al., 2014, p. 591).
In recent years a plethora of websites and blogs have been created attempting to address this very problem. Lists of books that boys may find interesting, authors, and age appropriate material are suggested. As a librarian, it is important to be able to evaluate such resources in terms of their quality and usefulness, before directing boys to use them.
The 'Guys Read' website created by Jon Scieszka of 'The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales' fame, offers one such example. Using Jakob Nielsen's Usability 101: Introduction to Usability (2012) as a guide, an analysis of the website in terms of its appeal and functionality was undertaken. These aspects are critical in engaging users and achieving the aims of the site - that is, to attract boys to recreational reading.
According to Nielsen (2012), if a website is too difficult to navigate, users will leave and traffic will stop. Guys Read is easy to navigate, well-presented and attractive to younger male users. It is obviously targeting boys, resulting in a type of 'boys club' feel.Catchy categories such as "Boxers, Wrestlers and Ultimate Fighters" and " At Least One Explosion" are powerful in attracting boys' interest.
The format is laid out across the screen like a newspaper, the title of each page occupying the space where a headline might appear. The contrasting colours are attractive and the retro images are interestingly reminiscent of 1960's dust jackets. Functionality is high. The graphics are optimized with no apparent slowing to download and it is easy to scan the home page from any device (tablet or mobile).
By way of criticism, it was found that the site could use an infusion of cultural diversity. Most of the authors listed were either American or English. Only two Australian authors could be found. A search function where any search term could be used (rather than just authors or book titles) would also be beneficial on the site.
In evaluating this site, the issue of boys' reading and digital technologies surfaced as an area for further exploration. While eBook versions of printed books are important, further research into other areas such as gaming technology and social media and their impact upon boys' reading would be an interesting avenue to pursue.
Overall, the ‘Guys Read’ website is impressive and succeeds in its aim to engage young male users and get them thinking about books. Any boy would be hard pressed not to be able to find a book that suits him on this site.
References
Brozo, W.G., Sulkunen, S., Shiel, G., Garbe, C., Pandian, A. & Valtin, R. (2014). Reading, Gender, and Engagement. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 57(7), 584–593. doi: 10.1002/jaal.291
Brozo, W.G., Sulkunen, S., Shiel, G., Garbe, C., Pandian, A. & Valtin, R. (2014). Reading, Gender, and Engagement. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 57(7), 584–593. doi: 10.1002/jaal.291
Johnson, A. (2015, March-April). Diversity on my mind: reflecting the world in which we live. American Libraries, 46(3-4), 82. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA404447011&v=2.1&u=csu_au&it=r&p=EAIM&sw=w&asid=c40ccae5acf890ddf9a90c20988d8d61
Nielsen, J. (2012). “Usability 101: Introduction to Usability.” Available: <http://www. useit.com/alertbox/20030825.html>. Accessed: December 10, 2014.
Nielsen, J. (2012). “Usability 101: Introduction to Usability.” Available: <http://www. useit.com/alertbox/20030825.html>. Accessed: December 10, 2014.
Scieszka, J. (2015). Guys Read. Available at http://www.guysread.com . accessed 13th May, 2015.
Wax, D. (2008). 7 essential Guidelines for Functional Design, Smashing Magazine. Available at http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/08/05/7-essential-guidelines-for-functional-design/. Accessed 13th May, 2015.
