Katie Hunter S3 |
The old reliable paper format is going out of fashion, but are e-books to blame?
The introduction of e-books has seen a fall in sales of paper adult fiction of over £150 million since 2009*. There are a number of reasons why e-books are becoming increasingly popular. E-books are usually cheaper to buy than the traditional printed copies, and in the current climate where people are watching what they spend, this can be a distinct advantage. In addition, there is the convenience of being able to download a book in a matter of seconds, day or night, and it also means we do not need to contend with piles of books cluttering up our homes. Finally, it can be quite off-putting reading a dirty, dog eared book that has been read by numerous individuals; especially those borrowed from local libraries with long, stamped-out histories.
There are two sides to every argument and now let’s focus on the positives of paper books. Or, in other words, why we need to preserve them. Firstly, they don’t require electricity or batteries, and the reader is not dependent on having access to the Internet. You can also do your bit for charity by donating your paper books and allowing them to be resold, with the proceeds being used in a positive way. It is also continues the wonderful journey of a paper copy from owner to owner, lighting up their lives with scintillating stories. Paper books can also have sentimental value if they belonged to someone special; don’t we all have a book from a relative that we hold dear? Lastly, you can lend a paper book to a friend, or vice versa, which can creates bonding.
I believe it depends on what you are brought up with, and for young people now, reading e-books has become the norm. There are advantages and disadvantages with each, and you will no doubt have your own opinions, but I think paper books will be here for the next twenty years at least. Long may they reign.
*The Guardian – 13th January 2015
