Magazines vs. Books
This post was written by Jacob McNulty
At current count I am subscribed to 12 magazines (most of them work related). Many years ago I didn’t subscribe to any. I regret that today, though, as the various subscriptions provide a steady stream of knowledge nuggets that is much different than what I’ve gotten in all the books I’ve read. This is not to discount the value I’ve gotten from books. I just realized that they each contribute a unique piece to how I learn.
Books (the good ones) usually provide a deep level of understanding on a given topic. Beyond that they’re static. Other than new editions every few years, the information stays exactly the same.
Magazines are full of the newest ideas and discussions on any variety of topics. It’s tough to think of a magazine article that has allowed me to gain a deep level of understanding on a complex topic, though.
In a loose comparison, books remind me of formal learning. They don’t change very often but they’re good at providing a conceptual foundation on which you can build and refine your own opinions and applications of given topics.
In the same loose comparison magazines remind me of informal learning. They are the perfect complement to a concept that I’ve cemented in my head. I love to read quick-hit articles that I can layer on top of the foundations I’ve built through other reading. I can skim through a magazine looking only for the topics that are relevant to my interests at the time. The topics are new every month so I know I’m getting the most up-to-date insight on that idea (except for blogs of course).
Books are good for in-depth learning of the fundamentals but they’re static - magazines provide more surface level information that is constantly updated.
Having a good mix of both is what it takes. Just like learning in organizations - there is plenty of static information in organizations that is best disseminated in a formal medium. Offering informal opportunities for participants to deepen their understanding of the concepts is what successful learning organizations are implementing.
Review the knowledge that your workforce needs. What fits in the category of ‘books’ and what is more suitable for a ‘magazine’? Once you’ve determined that, think of the best way to deliver it. Is it through a formal avenue that costs more to design and is not cost-effective to change often (formal learning) or would it be better through a model that is made to change and morph constantly (informal learning)?
Some mediums to consider for each:
- Formal (book) learning: seminars, workshops, elearning modules, simulations
- Informal (magazine) learning: podcasts, nano-learning, rapid elearning, wikis, communities of practice
There is no right answer and no panacea. Some material lends itself to one model while other material is more appropriate for the other. Think of the information at hand and wonder - would this be better as a book or as a magazine article?
Tags: business training, Communities of Practice, CoP, corporate training, development, informal learning, JIT, Just-in-time, learning, learning strategies, organizational learning, podcasting, professional development, rapid elearning, Wiki, workforce development