Friday 24 June 2011

To e-read or not to e-read?

Just started wondering whether most bloggers are big readers or not? I've found that most library staff I've worked with are big readers, although not all. Also, are many bloggers more likely to use e-readers (like the Kindle) or do they still like to read 'hard copies'? I must admit to loving both, and seeing a time when perahps libraries do explore the e-book option more readily (apparently Leicester City Libraries offer a service where users can download free e-books, although strangely for nearly all e-readers except the Kindle!)

Would be nice to see what other people think, I do still on balance like physical copies of books, but have sadly almost run out of bookshelving at home, so an e-reader is a great compromise! Plus, the cost of e-books is another bonus.

8 comments:

  1. Hmmm. A very interesting post here Helen L. You have a Kindle? I have always been a fan of traditional books (don't get me started on the 'bonding' experience between reader and story - I recently downloaded a few books to my iPhone and I must admit, I've really enjoyed reading the electronic versions. I think I could really take to an e-reader.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the idea of a Kindle, but apart from the cost, the thing that puts me off is the exclusivity that you can only read books bought from Amazon. I'm also worried about how it would survive if I dropped it after nodding off which I regularly do with paperbacks and magazines I read in bed!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I do have Kindle, although at first I didn't think anything could compare to the experience of a print book. In some ways, the e-reader experience isn't the same obviously, yet I do think there is room for print books and e-books.
    The e-reader part of the iPad looks great, as you can 'turn' the pages on screen.

    The cost of the kindle is still a bit prohibitive, which is a shame, hopefully the more popular they become the cheaper they will get. LOL, I find that falling asleep with one normally shouldn't be too much of a problem, as long as you have a bedside table to put it on! I can see your point about downloading books from Amazon, however there are free e-book sites which say you can download books: I haven't tried this yet though. I think the world of e-readers will develop further during the next few years...it will be interesting to see what develops. I guess ultimately anything that gets people reading more can only be a good thing :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. (Helen what an excellent way to encourage a conversation!)
    I think that both have their place. In a work or study capacity, I think e-readers are a brilliant option. After all, who can lugg around a load of heavy textbooks? An e-reader makes it easier to fit things like cpd or study into our busy lives.
    For me, nothing can replace a physical copy of a good fiction book. I love reading and fit it in wherever I can. I completely agree that encouraging people to read is so important but I don't think that people engage with text on a screen like they can with text on a print page. Clara, is this part of what you refer to as the 'bonding' between reader and story?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cari, the idea of using an e-reader for study purposes instead of lugging heavy textbooks round is a really good one! I do agree that you can't beat a good physical copy of a book, but in certain instances I think an e-reader is a good addition to, instead of replacement for, actual books. Have you got an e-reader yourself?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi all - now I'm an old fashioned girl who says you can't beat a good book with proper pages, open fire, cuppa tea etc etc, however like you say Helen an e-reader for study purposes is ideal. Both e-books and 'proper' books both have their part to play in our lives. For convenience to students then it's got to be an 'e' copy of a book instead of lugging great big text books about.
    In our library you can access e-books with an Athens account but not download them.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think the idea of ease of use of e-readers for students is a really good idea, don't know if university libraries are looking into this? As you say, to sit down with a cuppa (and maybe some chocolate), a 'real' book can't be beaten
    :-)

    We have access to e-books using Athens too, not sure of the actual usage figures though?

    ReplyDelete
  8. ah yes I forgot to mention the chocolate..

    I'm not sure how the use of e-books is monitored. Something to find out from my librarian colleagues.

    ReplyDelete