For centuries, access to written sources was considered a luxury. The detailed process of manually copying scrolls and books was the norm until Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionised the way we reproduce books and consume written content. This period marked a significant shift in people’s reading habits.
Fast forward to the 21st century, we are in the midst of another transformative revolution, this time driven by digital technology. The advent of the internet, smartboards, tablets, e-readers, and, most notably, mobile apps have drastically reshaped our reading and learning habits.
The shift to digital
The most noticeable change resulting from technological advancements is how we obtain new information. Long gone are the days of combing through dusty library shelves for specific information. Instead, with just a click of a button and the use of search engines, we can access hundreds of resources on nearly any subject. The efficiency and practicality of digital information retrieval far surpasses the traditional method of sifting through books and library archives.
The digital library in your pocket
Smartphones have essentially become a virtual library, serving as the primary interface for accessing, consuming, and distributing information. They are transforming communication, education, entertainment, and information retrieval. To stay relevant and serve their patrons effectively, libraries must embrace mobile technology, offering access to ebooks, newspapers, videos, audiobooks, and multimedia.
Mobile reading apps, in essence, can be viewed as electronic libraries. These apps, such as FictionMe, house thousands of books, particularly novel stories, making a vast digital library available at your fingertips.
Ebooks versus printed books
The question remains: have ebooks become more popular than printed books? According to the Association of American Publishers, ebook sales in the U.S. slightly decreased to $983 million in 2019 compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, hardcover and paperback books still dominate the market, generating approximately $3 billion and $2.5 billion in sales in 2019, respectively.
Interestingly, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 saw a surge in print publishing sales, attributed to people having more leisure time and the necessity of educating children at home.
While ebooks have undoubtedly contributed to the success of the publishing industry, they can still overwhelm readers. For those accustomed to visiting local bookstores, browsing through the aisles, and reading the first chapter before purchasing, this experience can be replicated with ebooks, but with a slight adjustment.
The price factor
The cost of ebooks has also been a contentious issue. Major publishers have forced Amazon, the dominant online bookseller, to raise ebook prices. As a result, new ebooks are often not significantly less expensive than their paper counterparts. Although ebook editions eliminate some costs, particularly those associated with printing and distribution, readers often expect ebooks to be free or substantially cheaper than printed books. However, the reality is that printing accounts for only about 10% of a book’s total cost.
Ebooks offer what regular books cannot: they allow you to customise the text according to your preferences, are more compact, and simplify access to digital libraries. However, this does not signal the end of printed books. In the modern world, both reading options can coexist harmoniously. If it is possible to purchase a paper book and enjoy the smell and touch of it, why not do so? On the go, on public transport, or in a large group, the convenience of ebooks comes to the fore.
Mobile apps have transformed how we read books, offering convenience and customisation. However, they have not replaced the traditional, tactile experience of reading a printed book but rather provided an alternative way to consume written content.
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