A study published in 2017 about leisure time use of average American citizens depicted the percentage of time Americans read, played video games or did other leisure activities on the computer. On...Show moreA study published in 2017 about leisure time use of average American citizens depicted the percentage of time Americans read, played video games or did other leisure activities on the computer. On an average day, only 21% of respondents in 2015 would read as a pastime, a decrease from the 27% of respondents that would read for pleasure in 2005. As opposed to this, the playing of video games as a pastime increased by 38%. With the preference of time use leaning towards gaming as well as the increasing popularity of smartphones and online devices, most people tend to spend more time reading from a screen rather than from print with the average adult spending around nine hours per day reading, swiping and listening to media. This, however, is claimed to crucially affect our level of text comprehension. Experts on study and learning claim that people remember less when reading something from a screen because of a multitude of factors. It has been argued, for instance, that texts are taken less seriously due to the loss of physical location, as explored in Jabr’s article “The Reading Brain in the Digital Age: The Science of Paper versus Screens”, which will be researched in more detail further on in this thesis, and that the loss of physical characteristics, such as pages put up barriers for comprehension and for memorization.Reading from electronic devices such as laptops or tablets can also affect the degree of concentration a reader experiences because of the constant presence of distractions.4 Various scholars have found that readers cannot be immersed as easily in digital texts. The notion of immersion is defined in this thesis as “the feeling of being lost in a story”; one loses track of their surroundings and devotes their full concentration of the story. But to what degree can readers feel immersed in texts that are read in video games? Many video games contain texts as well, next to still and moving images. This thesis concentrates on text-rich video games, which are video games of any genre whose most important feature is text; although text rich video games can be beautifully designed, the reader/player needs to read the text to proceed in the game. Playing a text-rich video game can be considered a hybrid genre, as it entails reading and playing video games simultaneously. It offers individuals the opportunity to do both at once meaning they will not have to choose one of the activities over the other. When considering immersion in text-rich games, Madigan believes that one of the central characteristics of an immersive game is “a strong and interesting narrative, plot, or story”. This statement, as well as research into text rich video games by Catherine Beavis, have spurred my interest in this subject. This thesis will consist of two parts. One part describes the theory behind text rich games. Among other information, this theoretical section will include a clear definition and delineation of the term ‘text rich games’. Furthermore, this part of this thesis will touch upon theories of navigability, reading comprehension, immersion, narrative, and medium to determine whether reading video game text is feasible, desirable and similar to reading from print. The second part discusses research into reading culture and immersion, based on a case study which compares experiences of a printed version of The Shamutanti Hills by Steve Jackson and the video game adaptation of the same book. The concepts that have been researched in the theoretical section will be put to the test in this section of the thesis. The main aim of the case study is to examine whether the act of reading a text in video game format can genuinely be seen as (deep) reading. Alternatively, should this solely be considered playing a video game? The hypothesis is that the degree of immersion in the text of the video game will be similar to the text of the gamebook, this due to the similarity in non-linear form of the video game and the gamebook. A gamebook is a genre of printed book that combines elements of traditional text with elements of games in which readers choose their own stories; by flipping through the pages and following clues in the numbered paragraphs, readers find out what their choices entail. Since the game primarily works with clicks and reading, the distractions are expected to be minimal. Considering reading comprehension, the hypothesis is that participants should read about the same amount of text with similar results for reading comprehension, due to the non-conventional format of the texts, and the visual cues both texts provide.Show less
Lebanon's religious institutions have been preserving the country's religious and cultural heritage since they were established several centuries ago. Digitisation is the latest tool in the...Show moreLebanon's religious institutions have been preserving the country's religious and cultural heritage since they were established several centuries ago. Digitisation is the latest tool in the preservation efforts by the country's academic institutions, some established by religious orders initially, though secular now. They are building on a well-established tradition of scholarship and research. The efforts by the country's academic institutions, who have acted as safeguards of their own religious and cultural heritage, are a recognition of the need to preserve that legacy for future generations. These academic institutions have taken up this responsibility in the absence of state efforts to do so, due to wars over the centuries and changes in ruling powers, and a lack of strong government institutions to lead on that front. Digitisation has already brought down barriers and will help the country build digital scholarship and ensure its wealth of cultural heritage is safeguarded as well as shared beyond its borders.Show less
The purpose of this thesis is to analyse the possible presence of Italian texts within private Dutch libraries; the final purpose of this work is to investigate the reason behind the presence of...Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to analyse the possible presence of Italian texts within private Dutch libraries; the final purpose of this work is to investigate the reason behind the presence of such texts in the Netherlands, whether it is linked to cases of cultural transfer or examples of diffusion of this language in the Netherlands.Show less
This thesis explores the use of Linked Open Data at academic libraries and in particular, Leiden University Libraries. It answers the question of what Linked Open Data is and how Leiden University...Show moreThis thesis explores the use of Linked Open Data at academic libraries and in particular, Leiden University Libraries. It answers the question of what Linked Open Data is and how Leiden University Libraries can implement Linked Open Data in their daily practices. In three parts, it explores the realm of Linked Open Data. The first part explores the concept of Linked Open Data. It entails a short history and the technical aspect of transforming regular data to Linked Open Data and the benefits of Linked Open Data. The second part focusses on the role of Linked Open Data at libraries that are at the forefront of Linked Open Data. The third part describes the specific situation of Leiden University Libraries and how they can integrate Linked Open Data in their daily activities. The practical implementation of Linked Open Data is tested in two case studies.Show less
This thesis proposes the notion of reading health as a bridge between scholarly research in reading on one hand and policy on the other. Examining existing research and current dilemmas that...Show moreThis thesis proposes the notion of reading health as a bridge between scholarly research in reading on one hand and policy on the other. Examining existing research and current dilemmas that pertain to reading studies, the author suggests a set of principles and guidelines for the operationalisation of the notion on a transnational level that could aid policy-makers in making use of relevant research to better inform measures aimed at improving the state of reading in society.Show less
In this thesis, I described the characteristics of the various bibliometric indicators in use today, Moreover, I discussed how these indicators are used as marketing tools by journals, leading to...Show moreIn this thesis, I described the characteristics of the various bibliometric indicators in use today, Moreover, I discussed how these indicators are used as marketing tools by journals, leading to some journals exploiting their inherent properties for their own interests. Overall, while all the bibliometric indicators have their own advantages, the inherent quantitative nature for citation counts allows journals to exploit them. As a result, although journals and researchers should ideally share a symbiotic process in the entire research process, the power is shifted in the favour of the journal. A major reason for this is the publish or perish culture prevalent in research institutions today; this culture has put researchers and even their institutions on the back-foot, as they need journals with high ratings according to the bibliometric indicators more than the journals need their content. Therefore, creating a more balanced relationship between all stakeholders in academic publishing is the need of the hour and this can only be achieved if all parties are committed to working for the welfare of the society as whole. This will only be possible if all stakeholders strive to collaborate to come up with solution that considers the well-being and interests of all involved.Show less
This thesis explores the inverse relationship between Fake News and Deep Reading, considering that the former is growing and the latter is declining. Of its two aims, the first is to explain why...Show moreThis thesis explores the inverse relationship between Fake News and Deep Reading, considering that the former is growing and the latter is declining. Of its two aims, the first is to explain why these trends might be occurring. The second and more important aim is to explore whether reversing the Deep Reading trend - in other words, not only stemming the loss of this skill but promoting it and increasing its prevalence in society - would lead to a subsequent reverse in the Fake News trend, reducing its influence, and, subsequently, its volume.Show less
With the help of biographical information, psychology, and linguistics to provide necessary context, this thesis aims to apply different algorithmic textual analyses of Vincent van Gogh’s...Show moreWith the help of biographical information, psychology, and linguistics to provide necessary context, this thesis aims to apply different algorithmic textual analyses of Vincent van Gogh’s correspondence in order to establish a connection between his mental state and the language he uses in his letters.Show less
According to Frank Furedi in his book 'Power of Reading', the act of reading runs the risk of being culturally devalued. The reason for this risk is accoring to Furedi, that reading is perceived...Show moreAccording to Frank Furedi in his book 'Power of Reading', the act of reading runs the risk of being culturally devalued. The reason for this risk is accoring to Furedi, that reading is perceived nowadays as a cognitive skill without cultural value. In this thesis, I show that reading is treated not as a cognitive skill, but as a moral skill in Dutch education. I do this by discussing multiple definitions for reading and types of reading, addressing the process of learning to read in Dutch education, and investigating the moral connotations that literary education bears in Dutch high schools. Although I do not agree with Frank Furedi, I acknowledge in my thesis that reading is under threat - and thereby society as well. In response to this, I propose a number of changes to Dutch primary and secondary education.Show less
This thesis aims at presenting Gregorio Leti (1630 - 1701) through the books he owned and using the auction catalogue established at his death. This unique approach paints a picture of a well-read...Show moreThis thesis aims at presenting Gregorio Leti (1630 - 1701) through the books he owned and using the auction catalogue established at his death. This unique approach paints a picture of a well-read man with connections in influential literary circles and interest in literary and philosophical topics. This analysis required the creation of an extensive database, transcribing and fixing mistakes from the auction catalogue from 1701. This database supported the quantitative and qualitative observations on Leti’s reading habits and interests. Quantitatively, the database agreed with the usual accounts of Leti's life as a typical seventeenth-century academic and educated historian, accounts that have been discussed in the few bibliographies focusing on Leti. Qualitatively, this thesis highlighted a thoroughness and range of interest matching the profile of a seventeenth-century scholar. While analysing Leti’s life and personality, this thesis also introduces some changes in the seventeenth century, including an analysis of philosophical and literary movements that became more prominent in this period.Show less
This study examines the transmission of Ludovico Maria Sinistrari’s De Daemonialitate in light of previously unexamined manuscripts and archival material that bear upon issues of authenticity,...Show moreThis study examines the transmission of Ludovico Maria Sinistrari’s De Daemonialitate in light of previously unexamined manuscripts and archival material that bear upon issues of authenticity, manuscript circulation, and reception. New material pertaining to the Liseux manuscript is examined which should help dispel the widely spread notion of a bibliographical hoax perpetuated by Isidore Liseux or Paul Lacroix. An analysis of Liseux’s transcription in relation to six other extant manuscripts demonstrates that it is not based on Sinistrari’s holograph MS but rather a later witness with several notable textual corruptions. A preliminary stemma codicum is suggested based on an examination of all extant MSS and the Daemonialitas text from the Albrizzi and Gianni editions of De Delictis et Poenis. On the basis of the evidence reviewed in this study the argument is made that the most plausible explanation for the expurgation of De Daemonialitate is Sinistrari’s advocacy of suffumigation over the approved ceremonies of the Roman Rituale and his arguments against the limits of ecclesiastical authority and scripture when it comes to the question of the existence of incubi and succubi. This study proves that despite the forty-five year prohibition of Sinistrari’s De Delictis et Poenis, the Daemonialitate manuscript was still clandestinely circulated amongst monks of the Franciscan order. The later legacy of De Daemonialitate is also considered through an examination of all print editions from 1875-1927.Show less
The competition for publishers becomes fiercer every day. To ensure that people will buy more books, new initiatives are always considered. However, the past should not be forgotten. During the...Show moreThe competition for publishers becomes fiercer every day. To ensure that people will buy more books, new initiatives are always considered. However, the past should not be forgotten. During the nineteenth century, the answer to turning reading potential into a reading audience was book series. Book subscriptions are the modern equivalent, but not many publishers in The Netherlands are offering this service. To see whether book subscriptions could be successful, this thesis compares the reading culture of the nineteenth century to the twenty-first. By considering reading and production potential, obstacles, the concept of book series and book subscriptions, and the effects of these initiatives, from both the reader’s and publisher’s side, a comparison can be made between the two centuries. This thesis argues that book subscriptions are very suitable for the twenty-first century and could motivate people in The Netherlands to read more, which is supported by the many similarities to be found between the reading culture of this time period and of the nineteenth century, when a similar phenomenon, i.e. book series, was successful.Show less
This research was focussed on the appearance of reading aids (e.g. table of contents, index, pilcrows, pagination, spacing etc.) in early printed books written in Middle Dutch and Latin. Several...Show moreThis research was focussed on the appearance of reading aids (e.g. table of contents, index, pilcrows, pagination, spacing etc.) in early printed books written in Middle Dutch and Latin. Several aids were examined with emphasis on how and why the appeared (or lacked) in early printed books.Show less
This research demonstrates and analyses a quantitative approach to literary criticism in the Digital Humanities by predominantly aiming to answer the question: is there a clearly distinguishable...Show moreThis research demonstrates and analyses a quantitative approach to literary criticism in the Digital Humanities by predominantly aiming to answer the question: is there a clearly distinguishable female writing style that is a shared foundation of female author’s novels in the Victorian period? In order to achieve this goal, a number of steps had to be taken. First, a foundation for this research’s case study was established by explaining the socio-cultural history of women writers in the Victorian period and by detailing the history of the Digital Humanities and computational research. Secondly, the compilation of the corpus and the methodology of the case study were elaborately explained and all decisions justified. The predominant terminology – the terms writing style and gender – were clarified as well in order to exclude confusion or multiple interpretations of these elements. Thirdly, the results of the case study were presented and interpreted. Here a conscious decision was made to only discuss these outliers briefly instead of examining them with close reading as this study predominantly focused on similarities instead of abnormalities in writing style between women in the Victorian period. Lastly, the limits of this study were discussed in detail and suggestions for future research were made.Show less
El Saco de Amberes is an unedited play whose authority has been questioned by academics -the question remains of whether it was written by Calderón de la Barca, as the two copies that are left...Show moreEl Saco de Amberes is an unedited play whose authority has been questioned by academics -the question remains of whether it was written by Calderón de la Barca, as the two copies that are left affirm, or Rojas Zorrilla. This is an edition of the text that can be found in the eighteenth-century prints found in the Castilla-la-Mancha library and the Institut del Teatre, the two only copies left of this play. This edition includes a thorough introduction and a a version of the text translated to English.Show less
During the late nineteenth and twentieth century newspaper front pages have evolved quite homogeneously across Western society. At the same time, the general public became much more familiar with...Show moreDuring the late nineteenth and twentieth century newspaper front pages have evolved quite homogeneously across Western society. At the same time, the general public became much more familiar with images and imagery thanks to the rise of photography and the growing popularity and accessibility of art. In this thesis, it is researched how newspaper front pages function as free-standing images themselves. First, the technological, societal, and cultural history of newspapers is discussed. Next, several art historical theories on composition are discussed. These two elements are put together in the third chapter for a case study of 100 years of front pages of Nieuwsblad van het Noorden. The compositions of the front pages of this Dutch regional newspaper aren't very pleasing from an art historical perspective, but do tend to some form of balance. The recognisability of newspaper front pages is confirmed with this research.Show less
This thesis examines the relevance of the use of computational methods for literary interpretations on a micro-level. The value of using computational methods on this level is examined partly by...Show moreThis thesis examines the relevance of the use of computational methods for literary interpretations on a micro-level. The value of using computational methods on this level is examined partly by means of a literature review of earlier studies that have incorporated such methods, as well as with the aid of a case study of Hermann Hesse’s 1922 novel Siddhartha.Show less
The mission of the Dutch public library was, and remains to be “the elevation of the people” through the access to information and the culture of reading. Unfortunately, the Dutch public library...Show moreThe mission of the Dutch public library was, and remains to be “the elevation of the people” through the access to information and the culture of reading. Unfortunately, the Dutch public library sector today deals with declining numbers in the number of library members, library visits, library branches, loans, and the scope of the collection. These facts are often assigned to budget cuts, but likewise to societal changes. Dutch citizens are increasingly making use of the Internet and digital media, and are making less and less use of traditional print media. Therefore, the Dutch reading culture is turning more and more into a digital reading culture. That is why Dutch public libraries – to remain relevant in the increasingly digital society – need to think about a new or adjusted realization of their mission. Public libraries in Scandinavia show that success can be found in a combination of the modern and the traditional. Most library visitors like to have a public space where they can physically meet and talk – surrounded by filled bookcases – but, simultaneously, to have access to new digital technology. Therefore, Dutch public libraries should attempt to find a middle way between the modern and the traditional. They should continue to offer a public place for the local community, with the traditional library services, but likewise offer access to digital technology.Show less
