Introduction
In this error of digitization, e-books are slowly and steadily posing a stiff competition to traditional print books. E-books are loved more by the younger generation whereas the older generation identifies more with the traditional print books . Despite the advantages that come with reading e-books such as ease of portability as well as convenience, they also have some shortcomings that can be addressed through the reading of traditional print books. The essence, therefore, is to incorporate both traditional print and e-books into ones reading culture.
Claim
The traditional print books will not go away, but e-books help us improve the reading experience.
Importance
The use of eBooks and traditional print books has advantages and disadvantages almost in equal measure. In order to develop and maintain a healthy reading culture, both of them should be used rather than overreliance in either of them. Readers should be made aware of the shortcomings and advantages of both traditional print books and e-books so that they make an informed decision. There is a lot of convenience in e-books not only in terms of their purchasing but also in reading them. However, traditional books offer a level of convenience, comfort, and experience not afforded by eBooks.
Discussion
The usage of e-books offers unparalleled convenience as one can buy them instantly from wherever he or she is. Instead of hoping from one bookstore to another in search of a traditional print book, a reader can easily purchase a book from your mobile device by a click of a button . The reader is also saved from the tedious search of a book from one shelf full of book piles to another. Unlike bookstores which operate within set time limits especially during the day, online bookstores are operational all the hours of a day, night time included. This means that the reader can purchase a book any given time without any restrictions whatsoever. Further convenience is realized due to the fact that e-books do not require a physical storage space. A single device is able to accommodate extremely many e-books. A traveler who is passionate about reading is able to take up his entire library while on his journey. Despite the convenience of taking an entire catalog on one’s journey when using e-books, it is still convenient to pack a few traditional books especially since they tend to be light and not overly bulky. Additionally, Searching for a book in a bookstore has become a lot easier than before. The tedious process of moving from one dusty shelf to another has since been replaced by using a search tool to search for books as well as compare prices in brick and motor stores.
Reading on e-books is more convenient since one can adjust the font size, the screen brightness and even easily highlight sections they find interesting to them. However, despite this convenience, one does not necessarily understand the material better when reading e-books than traditional books. Multiple types of research conducted have indicated that a reading culture characterized by the use of tradition print books contributes to memory retention and more focus on the article. Individuals who read traditional print books are more likely to remember what they have read as compared to those who read online. To most traditional print book readers, the experience of physically holding a book and turning the pages over is very fulfilling to be replaced by e-books all in the name of technology. Furthermore, reading a book that exists both in traditional print form and digital form brings two totally different experiences. This is regardless that the story is the same. The difference in the two media greatly affects how the reader understands the message which is common in both books .
Reading is more fun and interesting when using e-books. This is because unlike traditional print books, the font size in e-books can be adjusted to the preference of the reader. This is mostly advantageous to readers with eye problems who have difficulty in reading text that is in small font size. Also, e-books provide the reader with the option of changing the font type and background color to match the tastes of the reader. The fun and interest in reading e-books come from the fact that they are more interactive in nature. This is because some come along with videos, animations and audios . This is especially beneficial to young learners. The monotony of reading long boring texts is therefore reduced. However, over-exposure to the screen has a detrimental effect to an e-reader. High levels of screen lighting by these electronic devices used in e-reading can result in visual fatigue which is characterized by eyes which are exhausted, itching and have a burning sensation. For those readers fond of reading at bedtime, e-books have been found to contribute to sleeplessness and subsequently lack of alertness the following morning. This is due to the reduced production of a hormone known as melatonin which is essential in preparing the body to go to sleep. Also the use of these mobile devices that support the e-reading demand that the device must be charged. In the absence of power, the e-reader will be inconvenienced since they will not be able to read the e-book.
Connections
E-books have clear advantages over traditional books, although as discussed above, traditional books still offer some unique experiences. While e-books provide unparalleled convenience over traditional books, traditional books are yet to go away although their usage keeps decreasing. The ease of customization of e-books gives readers and opportunity to create and experience exciting digital experiences when it comes to book-reading. Therefore, the traditional print books will not go away, but e-books help us improve the reading experience.
Conclusion
With the introduction of e-books into the market, analysts were quick to conclude that it was an end of an era to the traditional print books. However, recent trends still suggest that traditional print books are still a favorite to the majority of readers. The e-books are definitely a huge competition to the publishing industry but have a long way to go before overtaking the traditional print books . Traditional print books should not entirely become extinct and disappears from the market in order for digital books to flourish. Similarly, digital books should not be the only existing option to readers. Rather, they should be free to switch from either format of books. Book vendors should, therefore, keep operating brick and motor stores as they seek to provide better digital reading experiences to their readers.
References
Berger, S. (2015). E-books vs. traditional books. Retrieved from www.compukiss.com/book-readers-and-tablet/e-books-vs-traditional-books-html
Kraft, A. (2015, December 14). Books vs. e-books: The science behind the best way to read. Retrieved from CBS NEWS: www.cbsnews.com/news/kindle-nook-e-reader-the-best-way-to-read/
Matthew, I. (2015, September 24). No, e-books sales are not falling despite what publishers say. Retrieved from Tech books: fortune.com/2015/09/24/ebook-sales/
