MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Will e-book readers make your library obsolete?

TarheelJD · 02-20-2009, 08:29 AM

Print materials will continue to exist, at least for a while, for several reasons:
1. Not all materials are digitized or have plans to be digitized.
2. Ebook readers and ebooks are expensive and there are a lot of people who cannot afford them, but can afford to go to the library or pick up some books for $0.50 from the flea market.
3. Do you really want a toddler learning to read on your ebook reader?
4. Not everyone will like reading on ebook readers
5. You can't lend people any book you want thanks to DRM.
6. If you drop your book in the bath, you are out a book, but if you drop your ebook reader, there goes your entire library and your device.

All that said, there is definitely a place for ebooks in the world, and I think it will grow until it reaches a balance with print materials.

02-20-2009, 08:29 AM	#183
TarheelJD Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North Carolina Device: hopefully a Kindle soon	Print materials will continue to exist, at least for a while, for several reasons: 1. Not all materials are digitized or have plans to be digitized. 2. Ebook readers and ebooks are expensive and there are a lot of people who cannot afford them, but can afford to go to the library or pick up some books for $0.50 from the flea market. 3. Do you really want a toddler learning to read on your ebook reader? 4. Not everyone will like reading on ebook readers 5. You can't lend people any book you want thanks to DRM. 6. If you drop your book in the bath, you are out a book, but if you drop your ebook reader, there goes your entire library and your device. All that said, there is definitely a place for ebooks in the world, and I think it will grow until it reaches a balance with print materials.