by Alyssa Ast
It’s no secret that the hardcopy sales of books have plummeted while the sales of eBooks continue to rise. Many companies have been hit hard by the wave of reading devices, and it looks like libraries may be next on the list. E-retailers are developing ways to allow users to lend books, which causes me to question, where does this leave libraries? With the demise of the Borders book stores, will libraries be next on the list once all of the kinks have been worked out for the lending of eBooks?
Will this be the end of libraries?
Libraries have already suffered from the new digital age and expect to suffer more as they are now confronted by the lending of eBooks. Yes, I see the appeal of instantly sharing books with others, and yes, I see a large profit can be gained. But, what about the libraries? Will they some day turn into a building with empty shelves as the trading and lending of books becomes purely digital? I sure hope not.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my eReader. It’s small, simple and holds more books than the poor lonely bookcase I have in my house can. But, nothing beats feeling the crisp pages of a freshly printed book in my finger tips. If libraries are to become extinct due to the use of eReaders, it would be a very sad day in my book.
Although it hasn’t occurred yet, the extinction of libraries may be closer than we realize as study platforms are being tested by many of the major eBook sellers. There are still many kinks that must be worked out before the lending of eBooks becomes an every day practice as the e-retailers have to figure out how to keep track of sales, lends and the profits that will go along with the lending and trading of eBooks. Either way, I see a dark cloud starting to accumulate over libraries.
What do you think? Should libraries be worried about the lending of eBooks?
I don’t think we need to start mourning the passing of libraries just yet. As I understand it, libraries came into being as a way to provide access to books to those who couldn’t afford to buy them. I would think they will still be around to provide that service for a long time to come. First, because not everyone can afford or will want an electronic reading device. I would venture to say the majority of readers do not have electronic reading devices. Second, there are so many books that have not, and probably never will be, digitized. We will still need libraries to access those books. Finally, having been in the publishing business for over 20 years, I believe the demise of Borders had more to do with an outdated business model and bad management than it did with the rise of e-readers.
Alyssa,
Truly, this is a great, relevant question on a topic so relevant to all communities.
Yes, eBooks & eReaders have readily been accepted by a growing market place but I think that public libraries fulfill a broader spectrum of needs in a community.
I think that “community” is the key word. In any given community, public libraries level the playing fields for people of all economic situations.
Free computer access and varied programs across all age levels ensure that everyone will be able to enjoy a multitude of resources.
I experienced the riches of a free library in my own childhood when books and money were scarce.
Today, with so many digital resources, it is even more worthwhile to have public library access, which is what Andrew Carnegie intended with his donations to so many communities over a century ago. I, for one, will continue to write to politicians to continue support for these institutions!
Patricia Anne McGoldrick recently posted..NOVEMBER TREES AND POETRY!
I couldn’t agree with you more. My mom was a librarian so I often spent time at the local library. Although I didn’t understand in my youth why someone would wake up to go visit the library every single day, makes perfect sense now.
Alyssa Ast recently posted..What Can Twitter Do for Your Business?
I’m with Patricia on this one. I don’t imagine that libraries will become relics of the past. I think too many people still enjoy reading from paperbooks. Personally, I spend my entire day looking at a computer screen, when I’m ready to do some leisure reading, I want a physical book.
And like Patricia explained, libraries have a multitude of resources; free Internet access, some have free movie rentals, and my local library even offers a book mobile, in which they drive to remote locations in the area to allow people to borrow books without driving out of their way to the library.
Actually, a new library branch just opened up in my local town a couple of years ago.
I don’t think the demise of libraries is anything we’ll have to worry about in the next few years…especially not in impoverished areas like my own, in north eastern KY.
As a director on the local library board, I can honestly say the monthly stats don’t justify the belief that libraries are on the way out. Every month, for the past year, our visitors have increased and they are checking out more books than ever!
That’s great news!
good question! personally i still love reading books. i don’t have to worry whether it fell whenever i fall asleep lol.
Gaye recently posted..Unable To Get Pregnant
I doubt libraries are on their way out, but it is certainly thought provoking. I always leave mine on, even when I’m awake
Alyssa Ast recently posted..What Can Twitter Do for Your Business?
Honestly, I am not fond of visiting the library… So I can’t but in if the idea is OK or not. Anyway, I only know libraries should have plenty and updated books.
edmond0925 recently posted..Long Winter Dog Walks
That really is a great question! In my opinion, I don’t think E books will replace libraries. Yet! Hard copies of books is still something to cherished or collected. But in the near future, I guess there is a possibility that that could happen
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I agree about the hard copies. Should libraries disappear, I doubt it will happen anytime soon, but it certainly is thought provoking.
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