Playing around with my Nook, my chaotic mind begins to bounce around wondering how digital/ebooks are going to effect the future of libraries, books, and publishing. I know I'm not the only one pondering that question, but still... After spending 40+ years working in libraries, I wonder that if I had to make the choice now, would I still become a librarian? And what, actually, is a librarian going to become? and soon. I love books and the printed word. I love the physical presence of books, and I always think more of a person when I see books scattered around their home, and not in an artistic manner.
I don't think physical books will actually go away for a long time, until a way can be found to digitalize the entire works of mankind quickly and cheaply. But in going forward, how much printed matter will drop away? Books are already set up electronically for creating, editing, and publishing. Does anyone actually submit a paper manuscript anymore? So the easiest step, and cheapest, is to skip the ink/paper process and market the book in it's electronic form.
The creation of Apple's IPad, and any soon to be released competitors will bring the price way down. And it's been mentioned at a Teen Services & Social Media meeting (cit to come) that teens today prefer to use their cell phones for anything and everything, which I would suppose would mean ebooks, also. (Just wait until their eyes start to go, and that small print won't be so attractive) I work in an inner city neighborhood, with a low income level, low educational level, etc. and I swear every kid or teen that walks through our doors has a cell phone. So between cheap cell phones and clone IPads, the future of publishing becomes an immediate concern.
a girl who grew up in The Land of Sky Blue Waters
