Printed Book or E-Book?
This is the era of tech-savvy readers, but most of them can't let go of printed books.
Recent studies have shown that adults with children rather have printed books at home. In 2014, college students spent more than $200 on textbooks. As far as libraries are concerned, who would have thought that empty shelves would be inevitable. Must we be alarmed about it? Not really. Some might be dramatic about it, comparing it to the burning of the Library of Alexandria in 391 AD. No one could tell the culprit, and it was considered a major loss of cultural knowledge. On the other hand, empty spaces in the New York Public Library shouldn't be a reason for concern. We know the causes, we have seen it coming. But we can look at it as a transition of sort.
The digital age should make a convenient lifestyle, and in this regard, the e-book fits the bill. An iPad is easy to hold while lying on bed. There's boundless information in the Internet, which means there are many titles to choose from. And it won't take a minute to access it. Last but not the least, most rather bring along an iPad during their travels. In spite of all of these, the days of printed books aren't numbered. You read it right. There's a sentimental value to it, which most adults would attest. Here are other reasons:
Kids like their parents to read books to them. Childhood memories must include stories that put kids to sleep. They'll be fascinated by fairy tales, even selected works in Children's literature. (Peter Pan, anyone?) They may outgrow these stories when they get older, but not their interest in books. They'll look for other titles, which suit their taste. It's only natural.
Books trigger our senses. It's not about the faculties of sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. Extraordinary tales and unforgettable characters make us feel alive. We imagine far and away. Some fancy reading because they have nothing else to do, while others want dead authors to keep them company.
A book is a work of art. A (book) cover makes a printed book distinct from e-book. If it's a good design, then we rather put it in a place where we can see it. There are cases when a pile of paperbacks remain untouched for months. Some love the sight of it, such that they keep on postponing the day when they open the book (on the top of the pile) and start reading it. If this is not art, then no one would know the term for it.
More people will seek e-books, but don't expect a decrease in the production of printed books. There won't be a closure of libraries in the near future, but more gadget nerds will set foot there. Such scenario is unlikely back then.
