[WEB4LIB] RE: Why eBooks and When?

[Terence K. Huwe]

There was a good comment on the value of non-linear narratives a few
messages back.  In general, I enjoy checking out the various forays into a
new, non-linear genres that are underway.  I agree that the introduction of
non-linear story telling is a good thing, and it will probably boost the
ebook platform.  

However, I doubt that the pleasures of non-linear storytelling will replace
the pleasures of linear storytelling (e.g., the novel).  The novel as a
genre works for many people.  Even though it forces the reader to follow
events on the author's terms, this is a powerful means for introducing
readers to other states of consciousness or life experiences--i.e., it's a
genre that continues to work.  Perhaps ebooks as a new platform for reading
requires the development of readers' sensibilities to non-linear
storytelling, including some set of expectations for what that would be
like as an entertainment experience.  Terry Huwe


At 01:13 PM 08/28/2001 -0700, Drew, Bill wrote:
>The problem with eBooks is that it is, as stated in the press and other
>places, a solution looking for a problem.  I am using eBooks now with a
>Compaq IPaq 3670 as part of a pilot project on our campus.  I would never
>buy a dedicated device to read just eBooks.  The IPaq uses Microsoft Reader
>and the quality is ALMOST as good as reading the printed page on paper.  As
>others have said here, eBooks make sense for libraries in an academic arena
>for texts such as those in the netLibrary collection.  eBooks as general
>consumer items are many years away.
>
>Wilfred (Bill) Drew
>Associate Librarian, Systems and Reference
>SUNY Morrisville College Library 
>E-mail: mailto:drewwe at morrisville.edu 
>BillDrew.Net: http://billdrew.net/ 
>Not Just Cows: http://people.morrisville.edu/~drewwe/njc/ 
>Library: http://www.morrisville.edu/library/ 
>Wireless Librarian: http://people.morrisville.edu/~drewwe/wireless/
>Have Laptop -- Will Travel. 
>"I thought I made a mistake once, but I was wrong." 
>
>
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