[Web4lib] E-reader future?

[Thomas, Susan Elaine]

I have also greatly enjoyed the discussion on e-readers and e-books.  In the past year and a half I have been researching the e-book phenomenon. It is truly fascinating to see that there are folks who truly like this medium, and reassuring to see so many, especially on this particular listserv, who favor paper. The article from the high school student this morning was really insightful because there seem to be a lot of predictions that the future generations won't have any problems with this new medium.

I am always intrigued by predictions on how our future will look and always wonder where the data came from to support the prediction stated.

Price of the item was of course mentioned along with the cost to view each book.  But I did not see any postings that mentioned the digital divide issue.  When the cost of living increases more than my last raise it seems silly to even talk or think about purchasing such a device when I am having a difficult time even affording groceries.  I rarely buy books because I prefer to check them out of the library.  So it makes me wonder how those who are less affluent than I am view this product.  Do they know how to read, do they read at all?  Do they have books in their home, for their children?  I have heard and read stats on these factors and they tend to be disheartening.

New technology is truly great, especially for the more technically inclined user.  But the vast majority of the world can't afford it.  At least not given present day circumstances.  Truth be told I would be surprised(and intrigued) to learn how many consumers who have purchased a Kindle actually paid cash for it instead of opting for financing either from a personal loan, money from a second mortgage, or credit card.  And if they did pay cash for it, was it at the expense of something else?

Of course the impact the device has on reading comprehension and ability is also still in play and has not been fully researched.  There is some research indicating that reading in a computerized environment slows comprehension, and reading on an LCD panel is documented to slow reading speed.  So will the push to infuse our classrooms and society with technology (which remains unaffordable to many) just serve to makes us all slower and dumber?

One person also noted that current e-readers serve certain types of reading materials well, but not necessarily for books on art or photography.

E-books and e-readers are complex issues with many sides and many definite opinions. To fully consider their usefulness, and perhaps their future, definitely requires more research and technological development.

Susan Thomas
suethoma at iusb.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Robin
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 3:25 PM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Web4lib] Amazon's Kindle e-book reader

I must say that, although I'm getting a little weary of the topic, I
think it's valuable to get some many opinions and viewpoints,
especially, as Larry says, those of an actual owner. I'm amazed at the
volume of comments and the vehemence of the views expressed - I can't
remember the last time a new product drew such attention on any of the
lists I'm on. I hope it reflects the future success of ebook readers in
general; and if it helps bring an end to the format wars, more power to
it!

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Larry Campbell
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 2:08 PM
To: B.G. Sloan
Cc: web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Web4lib] Amazon's Kindle e-book reader


Not this list member -- I especially appreciated reading Dee Ann
Allison's comments as an actual owner. I will say that, for something
widely reported to suck, it sure gets a lot of attention.

Larry Campbell
Librarian, Information Systems and Technology
UBC Library


B.G. Sloan wrote:

>
>  I've often found this ironic about discussion lists. They exist for
the purpose of discussion, but when people carry on actual discussions
list members rapidly tire of them.
>
>  Bernie Sloan
>
>Bill Drew <dreww at tc3.edu> wrote:
>  Anybody else sick of Kindle discussion and hype? My delete key is all
>worn out. (GRIN)
>
>Bill Drew
>_______________________________________________
>Web4lib mailing list
>Web4lib at webjunction.org
>http://lists.webjunction.org/web4lib/
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
>Never miss a thing.   Make Yahoo your homepage.
>_______________________________________________
>Web4lib mailing list
>Web4lib at webjunction.org
>http://lists.webjunction.org/web4lib/
>
>
>
_______________________________________________
Web4lib mailing list
Web4lib at webjunction.org
http://lists.webjunction.org/web4lib/

_______________________________________________
Web4lib mailing list
Web4lib at webjunction.org
http://lists.webjunction.org/web4lib/