Even My Anecdotes Are Outdated; or, Why I Am More Like Your Grandparents Than You'd Assume

Have you ever noticed the raised print of a novel? Have you noticed the smell of a newly cracked open book when you can tell that you were the first? Or even the scent of a very old book from the library, left untouched for so many years that when opened tells you the story of when it was left in the rain or had water spilled on it, evident by the smell of slight decay of its inner sheets? Well I have. I could be strange or you could be losing touch with the lovely creation, the print publication. I am a senior, creative non-fiction major and have spent many hours tracking down the obscure or out of print publications listed on an upper level class syllabus. The internet* has made this search easier or even more possible than in past decades. Regardless, my love of various kinds of paper or strategic type placement and font keeps me constantly in the library- what a wonderful place. Each print book is so unique with its various editions and design depending on region or date. The discussion on the superior method of viewing texts has been something I have been faced with throughout many conversations in classes or with friends. Although print books may not be as easily accessible as an e-book could be, I simply prefer the ability to hold the story within my own hands, the dog eared pages and highlighted passages to return to at another point. I may be the equivalent to the grandparent who refuses to use cd's and still prefers records, trading convenience for familiarity.

*Spell check wants me to capitalize internet? It feels so wrong.

The Creation Of The E-book And What That Could Mean For Libraries

Since the creation of movable type or the printing press, books have been something exclusive to privileged individuals, privileged meaning those who could afford to purchase such things as well as those who were educated enough to be able to read them. At one point this was may have been the case here in the United States with the things in which we view electronic texts (computers, e-book readers and hand held music players). Although things like music players and e-book readers are still difficult for many people to have significant exposure to, computers are wildly available and accessible at schools and libraries among other public places. I have had the privilege to have use of many of devices previously mentioned and although they may seem more convenient at times I still prefer the relatively unchanged paper book. The creation of libraries in almost every city has made books something that most people can enjoy and experience. The price of books is somewhat problematic at an average of $15-20 for a single paperback. What seems so interesting at times is the decreased price of e-books, an average 50% less than conventional books. One would assume that those who posses the disposable income to purchase an e-book reader would be able to handle the cost of a paperback book, but alas, the complications in life arise. As you can surely tell by now, I am a huge fan of libraries. I think that they are great additions to communities that help increase literacy and general education, but if print books become less convenient and more and more uncommon, what of the libraries? Will they replace the bookshelves with lcd screens and monitors with seats just inches from the screen. But I digress.