PREFACE - Future of Books

In this blog we have discussed and elaborated in detail how books will change with evolution in techonolgy in the near future. There is no doubt that technological breakthroughs have effected each and every aspect of our life.

Our Blog will walk you through the history of books, the changes this field went through, advent of eBooks (digital and audio both) and business from eBooks and how it is effecting traditional publishing and conflicts arising. New forms of libraries are also discussed briefly.

Useful and related links to journals, articles, other blogs have been provided for better understanding, videos and images enhance the understanding of concepts. The below self-created image shows how books became from ancient rock tablets to modern day Tabloids.

We hope you this blog provides clear picture of Future of Books by 2020 and you find it both enjoyable and knowledgeable.

Happy Reading !!! 

Can your paperback book do this?

    Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word interactive as ‘mutually or reciprocally active’. That would suggest that there is the presence of input as well as feedback in the activity.  Ebooks, as established through all the other blog entries, are wonderful but let us reconstruct these already amazing eBooks to be integrated with video, audio and other interactive features. The result?! Breath taking!

    Enhanced eBooks contain multimedia features and is rumored to set the new frontier with regard to eBooks. They often contain photos, illustration and even animations. Yes, these features are merely add-ons and are clearly not a necessity. However, for some book fanatics such as myself. It would be cool to experience a well-loved tale in a whole different level. 

    I have read Pride and Prejudice in high school. It is a classic novel that one would just fall in love over and over again. In 2009, a revamped version of this timeless classic was published by author Seth Grahame-Smith titled “Pride and Prejudice and Zombie”. I got the kick of re-imagining and re-visualizing the 19^th century England with the addition of zombies and ninjas.

    After seeing this YouTube video, I am very much intrigued with how an enhanced eBook will let me experience this timeless classic in a whole new way. Book lovers might have conflicting emotions with regard to enhanced eBooks. Some might argue that it sets limits to imagination but let us keep in mind that it is just one of many resources that is just there for our convenience and enjoyment.

   

 The question remains: Can your paperback do this?

References:

Itzkovitch, A. (2012, April 13). How Interactive Ebooks Engage Readers and Enhance Learning. Social Media News and Web Tips – Mashable – The Social Media Guide. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from http://mashable.com/2012/04/13/interactive-ebook-apps/

Want to please Mother Nature? Download an eBook!

What is common in almost every institution across the globe? Aside from the obvious things such as structures and workforce, almost all institutions would have in their mission vision statement a line that touches up on our environment and a promise of an effort to go green.

As individuals, we too have the responsibility to create our very own mission vision statement. Two words: Go Green!

Did you know that an estimated 3 kg of carbon emission is being used up in order to produce one book? It might not seem like a lot but imagine the magnitude of carbon emission released in order to produce the entire Twilight saga that have sold millions of copies world wide.

There are a lot of aspects that must be considered in manufacturing a traditional book. Let us keep in mind that aside from the production of paper and the use of ink, there is also the energy cost of transporting, storing and binding these books. There is a lot environmental issues that can be improved simply by cutting down on manufacturing of paper copies.

According to National Geographic, an estimated 1.5 million metric tons of paper is used in one year for the purpose of manufacturing books. It is argued that although electronic devices use energy as well, a person would have to read 11 hours a day through electronic devices to match the carbon emission of a single print copy. Therefore, the overall footprint is lower for patronizing eBooks.

A lot of big companies have shelled out a lot of cash in an effort to go paperless. We too, in our own little way can make a difference. Let’s give back to Mother Nature and go green! 

Reference:

Hendricks, D. (2012, April 10). eBooks Help the Environment One Download at a Time – News Watch. News Watch - National Geographic News Blog. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/04/10/ebooks-help-the-environment-one-download-at-a-time/

Mims, C. (n.d.). Are e-books an environmental choice? | Homes | Green Living. Green Living. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from http://www.greenlivingonline.com/article/are-e-books-environmental-choice

“There’s an App for that”

    You hear the word “app” thrown around in random conversations ever so frequently and you wonder where did that word come from? A few years back and that 3 letter word is not even considered a word. As IPads and Androids took over our culture, the more we hear of the birth of different apps.

    American Dialect Society named “app” the word of the year last January 2011. App is a shorter term for application which can be downloaded through electronic devices. EBook apps can be downloaded for free and actual purchases can be done within that app.

    Examples of eBook reading apps are the following:

• Apple iBooks App for IPad and IPhone
• Bluefire Reaer App
• Kobo App
• Amazon Kindle
• Google Books
• Barnes and Noble Nook

    The convenience of these apps is that you can read a book, a magazine or any material through your handheld device anywhere and anytime granted that your device is still running. No internet connection is needed once the eBook has been downloaded.  These apps also provide free books to their subscribers.

    It's as easy as 1-2-3. Using my iPhone, I went to the icon "App Store" and search “ebooks” in the search engine. The first app that popped up is that of Kobo’s. Upon hitting install, it took about 11 seconds before the app is fully downloaded in my mobile phone and is ready for some serious abuse.

 

    The next time you want a good book to read, just reach out for your smartphone and with a simple swipe of a finger, download your title. Always remember, there’s an app for that!

Nunal, P. (2012, January 14). Top 5 eBook Reader Apps for Android Phones/Tablets. Android Authority. Retrieved November 26, 2012, from www.androidauthority.com/top-5-ebook-reader-apps-for-android-phonestablets-44253/

Campbell, A. (2011, March 7). What the Heck is an "App"? | Small Business Trends. Small Business News, Tips, Advice - Small Business Trends. Retrieved November 26, 2012, from http://smallbiztrends.com/2011/03/what-is-an-app.html

Let’s talk Kobo

   IPads and playbooks are heavily integrated devices that are empowered by 3G technology and can be used to watch videos, listen to music, take pictures and play games. To get your hands on one can be comparable to the saying “the world is  at your fingertips”.  Of course, these gadgets come with hefty price tags.

   Kobo is a popular e-book reader that is being produced by a company based in Toronto. A Kobo reading app is readily available by download though IPads and other tablets. For those who cannot afford these devices, Kobo hardware can easily be purchased through leading retailers such as Chapters, Walmart, Future Shop and Best buy for as low as $79.99.

   The beauty of Kobo hardware is that it is a device that is designed primarily for the purpose of reading. The Kobo mini, which is the most affordable version of Kobo hardware, is available in the market. Its record boasts of its 5” no-glare E Ink screen and intuitive touchscreen technology that is both convenient and useful when looking up definitions while reading books.

   A lot of people are still skeptical about reading a book through e-readers simply because it’s a step away from tradition. However, today’s generation is keener to reading books through electronic media.

   Overall, consumers are drawn to e-books because of the following reasons:

•               It is less expensive to purchase a soft copy version of a book
•              The font is adjustable thus it provides convenience to the reader
•              It has the potential to store multiple materials all at the same time

Moon, B. (n.d.). What is Kobo? Everything You Want to Know About Kobo. Welcome to Portable Electronics at About.com. Retrieved November 26, 2012, from http://portables.about.com/od/ebookreasers/a/What-Is-Kobo.html

Carnoy, D. (2012, September 5). Kobo Mini - E-Book readers - CNET Reviews.Product reviews - Electronics reviews, computer reviews & more - CNET Reviews. Retrieved November 26, 2012, from http://reviews.cnet.com/e-book-readers/kobo-mini/4505-3508_7-35435568.html

Mcmaken, L. (2012, August 21). E-Books Vs. Print Books. Investopedia – Educating the world about finance. Retrieved November 26, 2012, from http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0812/e-books-vs.-print-books.aspx#axzz2DIYiz1ju

E-Books: A Fun Fact

   The US Declaration of Independence plays a big role in the history of the United States. Who would have guessed that the same sacred document would be the origin of E-books? In 1971, a man named Michael Hart was grocery shopping when he noticed an awful bunch of copies of the Declaration of Independence in the shelves. The man had a vision of how powerful the net would become in the future and at that very moment he had a vision of sending typed up copies of the Declaration of Independence to everyone hooked up in the net.

   

   Project Gutenberg. Michael Hart founded “Project Gutenberg” which is known today as the largest collection of e-books in the world. What used to be a wide collection of software formatted text that gets pushed in the Net and accessible to the general public have evolved throughout the decades. Ultimately, it gave birth to the production of electronic hardware such as portable computers, cellphones and E-books which are all popularly used.

   Do check this link as it contains a very informative chart as to how books have evolved throughout the centuries.

Sources:

Flood, A. (2011, September 8). Michael Hart, inventor of the ebook, dies aged 64 | Books | guardian.co.uk . Latest US news, world news, sport and comment from the Guardian | guardiannews.com | The Guardian . Retrieved November 26, 2012, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/sep/08/michael-hart-inventor-ebook-dies

Sedycias, R. (2008, July 12). History and Popularity of EBooks. Article Base. Retrieved November 26, 2012, from http://www.articlesbase.com/ebooks-articles/the-history-and-popularity-of-ebooks-481506.html

Paynter, B. (n.d.). Teacher, Where Do E-books Come From? | Fast Company. Fast Company. Retrieved November 26, 2012, from http://www.fastcompany.com/1511803/teacher-where-do-e-books-come

Books: The History

                                                                                    
            Above, from left:  Baked clay tablet, papyrus plant, Chinese block printing, medieval illustrated manuscript, Gutenberg printing press, rotary press, first modern e-reader device (the Rocket eBook).

The above is essentially in a nutshell, the history of books. This link is an article which briefly describes the evolution of a book. It starts with the evolution of the book and illustrates how Sumerians five thousand years ago used symbols as a tracking device. The country of Iraq currently occupies where Sumer was, which was t he homeland of the Sumerians. It is fascinating that rolls, papyrus rolls, clay tablets were used to tell a story. The article indicates that “The Codex” is the most traditional form of a book. Now, when we speak about traditional we mean, that is has separate pages. This is and was the most modern to capture literature nineteen hundred years ago. This starts the evolution of the traditional book.

Years after the Chinese invented what is known as “Printing”. Essentially one did not need to hand write copies, they used what is called a pictograph to capture the full book on metal moveable parts and the books were pressed on paper. This evolution started the printing press era where mortised prints took place of human power.

The article reviews the next era which is called “The Digital Revolution”, since 1968 when computers became a part of the printing press procedure. Not long after this we saw the storing of digital data and an end to the old printing pressed books. The electronic book took birth slightly after the computer based printing era. The E-Book allowed for individuals to capture, read an store data all in one application. This application or tool was sophisticated in a way that accessibility was not longer an issue. You could read in your home, work, buss, train ... or wherever it seemed possible. The quote listed below is powerful and so true to the human revolution and how books can never be forgotten. It reads,

“Why should we continue to value, preserve, read and write books?  Simply because of what they represent.  Books record our past and progress; contain our experiments, fancies, knowledge, and accumulated wisdom; proclaim our fears and ideas; and champion our ideals, dreams, and hopes for the future. More than any other medium, books carry the heart and soul of our civilisation forward, and keep it accessible. Long live the book!”

Simply books and literature have been a part of our lives since 3000 BC, the evolution has taken ages from stone to paper to electronic devices, however one must not forget the message literature brigs and expresses to society.

Reference:

A History of the Book, Retrieved from; http://www.e-book.com.au/bookhistory.htm

 

Google Synchronizing E-Books

Have you ever been on an bus or a train and thought about getting your hands on  book that you were reading a few days ago. Only thing is that you left it on your e-reader or laptop at home, now there is no way that the book that you enjoying so much would appear on your Smartphone device is there? Not true, Google has come out with a phenomenal way to store, and revisit a book from anywhere on any device that allows for it. The reader tool will store which book and the exact page that you are on to save time. Wow ! now that is magic. Technology has evolved and this YouTube video about how the Google E-Reader Tool works.

Wow, reading pages and pages on literature on a Smartphone.. you never thought it would happen. As someone who has both a Kindle DX and an iPhone I can tell you that my eyes cannot read an lengthy book on a Smartphone. A few screens,  but not much more than that. However on the DX I can resize the font & quickly read through any book.
It seems that everyone touts that ebooks would not replace paper books, and that the market would continue to grow and prosper and provide the content in many different ways. I agree with this. Books are best presented in paper, however when we are discussing e-readers the text suits the Kindle DX such fine with the added bonus of accessibility for sure. The company that provides the content for a reasonable price that can be viewed many different methods will win. Companies such as Amazon and Google have made significant progress with its Kindle Reader for iPhone, and will be a tough competitor because of the head start it has in delivering book content in many different e-formats. 

The speed o which formats of books have evolved is amazing, not long ago we were reading har copies, paper backs. Technology brought about e-readers, then online readers.. and now Smartphone readers. Accessibility of the use is the min key component when companies like Google and Amazon venture into dramatically changing the landscape of reading a book. It has become difficult to visit a library and actually complete research for a school paper with actual books versus online material. Libraries have also transformed from books to where someone is able to use their notepads, laptops and Smartphone’s to access school related material. A transformation, that will carry us through this century.

Posted on Youtube (November 29 2010) Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKEaypYJbb4&feature=player_detailpage

eBooks & Traditional Books v.s Audio Books

Going a step forward from debate on eBooks and traditional books, the new topic is eBooks and Audio books. Which one is more convenient, better future indicator of books ? We can argue endlessly on this because different people have different views and depends on their life style, their preferences, their choices, etc. Stream-Recorder Forum discusses this topic and the members have put forward their views as to which medium of knowledge and leisure they prefer and why.

Those in favor of audio books argue that they can listen to their favorite book anywhere, anytime. Its simply a way for busy people to enjoy their favorite hobby while on the go. They also say there is no benefit in staring at paper or screen if they can just listen to it and gain the same knowledge while doing something else side by side. Quoting one of the members appropriately, "I just don't understand how sitting, not moving and looking at words can overpower working, listening and hearing animated syllables." It is also a great option for kids, who don't know how to read completely or just don't have patience to sit and read. Teachers can also easily access kids' books online and download them for free and keep them handy. Audio books are also great for travelling. It easier to carry an iPod or a CD/DVD with lots of books on it and listen to while driving.

But there are some favorable arguments from eBook lovers too. Audio books present emotions of the reader(vocals) but when you read something yourself, you present your own feelings towards the characters and the story line. You can keep notes, highlight favorite quotes and come back to read them anytime. You can explore the story further by reading and re-reading the phrases. You can sit back, relax and enjoy your favorite fable. And studies also show that actually reading something keeps it in your mind for longer time than listening to it. Because your whole concentration is on those words you are reading as compared to listening, when you might be doing something else on the side and might not grasp everything you are listening to.  

But on the end we can say that it all depends on intelligence of different people, how they find it easier to learn something or enjoy something, i.e. listening to or reading books. People have different memories, some remember more when they listen to something and some when they read. Everyone has a different approach. It also depends on what are you going to read/listen to, the author and your purpose of going through that piece of literature. 

So which of your sense is more bent towards words ?? Eyes or Ears ? 

Reference : 

Audio/Video streaming records forums provided me an excellent source of going through different people's opinions on audio and eBooks. Members' opinions are based on personal experiences and unbiased. 

Retrieved from thttp://stream-recorder.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12793&goto=nextnewest

If books could speak ??

Straining eyes night over night, concentrating to read small prints, even though they might be on screen. Its on these occasions we wish, if only books could speak for themselves.This might have seemed an exaggerated hope of technology few decades ago. But with rapidly changing world today, nothing seems to left to imagination. Everything is being experimented with and more or less brought to life.

Audio Books, are not a relatively new invention, but  one quite less used I suppose. But Wayne Leskosky in her article Audio Books - The Big Wave of the Future in Ezine Articles mentions how more Americans are now downloading audio books and within few years printed books will be outsold by downloadable audio books. People are so busy these days that they have to multitask to make their time more productive. Books can be listened to doing almost anything like household chores, travelling, exercising, walking, etc. It is just like somebody is telling you a story.


Not only for leisure activities, audio books serve a number of other purposes like helping to learn a new language. Since reading doesn't help with pronunciation, listening to actual words can accelerate the process of learning foreign tongue. It is also a boon for blind people who can just listen to books and be knowledgeable or just enjoy a story they could never read. They are also a blessing for old people who don't have to strain their eyes and just enjoy the books by listening to them.

The article elaborates how today's audio books have more clarity than old days and available in more varied formats. This gives more listeners access and choice of audio books. The stories are recorded in different voices according to characters and make them more interesting.

Hence we can conclude that audio books are also a great future to traditional printed books. By 2020 there would great  opportunity in this market as well when looking form economic perspective. There are stores exclusively dedicated to audio books across the world and  serving the community.

Reference:
Wayne Leskosky (March 28, 2007) Ezine Articles. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?Audio-Books---The-Big-Wave-of-the-Future&id=499788

Could ebooks be the future for university libraries?

There is even the thought of ebooks being the future for university libraries. Sarah Emily Duff, an NRF postdoctoral research fellow at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, proposes the idea of using ebooks to conduct academic research. In her article, Could ebooks be the future for university libraries?, she talks about her forgetfulness to return borrowed library books. Regarding forgetfulness, Sarah is not alone.  At some point in time we may also have been in that boat. And she also thinks the loan period is rather short.  This may be a negative, but for the person anxiously waiting to borrow the book, the time may not be short enough. Sarah also indicates the lack of significant works; new trends and new fields in her discipline are not reflected.  Are there others who might feel the same way? In addition she highlights the issue of location (country wise) may present short-comings in acquiring the necessary resources to conduct reserch.  Such as the required books may not be available, they may be expensive, and online ordering may have other complications.  All these issues can be solved with the ebook; it is often less expensive, and arrive immediately.  In addition, location will also no longer be an issue.  Via the internet, there are no borders; there is global accessibility. New trends and fields will be at your fingertips; it is just a click away. Technology has opened up so many possibilities and each day solutions are being developed to make improvements and overcome obstacles.

This article supports the fact that ebooks have a very bright future.  Currently many may not be keen on the idea of reading off the screen, but like Sarah there can be a compromise.  Use the ebook for academic purposes, and yet still support the traditional book for pleasure. Another positive aspect, is that more than one screen can be opened up and viewed accordingly. Change also means that there will be trade-offs; so we can do whatever makes us comfortable.

With technology there are a variety of choices to suit our various needs.  Here in Canada most universities and colleges are already moving towards ebooks.  Such as Sheridan College; many courses are supported with the use and access of ebooks.   Sheridan College has an extensive database that allows students to access ebooks.  This is a most helpful learning tool and also provides a reduction in textbook fees .Use of  Ebooks also means a reduction in printing; saving on the use of paper.  It is a benefit for both the provider and the user. Ebooks have created a wave of change in the learning process and academic research.  It provides easily accessible contents, anytime and place, on laptops or portable book readers. Many features such as full text searching, changing font size, highlighting of text and citation creation will improve the learning process and make students more efficient.  

The traditional book will always be around; however the new trend is ebooks. Currently the majority of learning institutions are already moving in the direction of ebooks.  Those who have not will soon also be on a similar path; it is an investment that will be fruits. So yes, ebooks are the future of university libraries.

Reference:
Sarah Emily Duff (June, 2012) The Guardian. Retrieved from

http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2012/jun/22/ebooks-university-libraries

The Bookless Library




David A. Bell

Technology has redefined the traditional book and as a result the
traditional library may also be transformed.  This is evident by the article, “The Bookless Library”, written by David A. Bell, Professor of History at Princeton University.  Professor Bell takes a complete look at the evolution of books and its future consequences. He notes that obstacles such as lack of internet access, not knowing how to download books, and feeling uncomfortable reading on a screen, as opposed to paper, will all disappear within twenty or thirty years. Many people of the older generation prefer the traditional book.  And there may be others who feel the same way. Technology brings change; removing them from their comfort zone and being unable to understand how to use it. Technology may also be expensive for many; the unaffordability of internet access and digital reading tools. However with time and education, the majority will be able to overcome these obstacles. As a result, it is evident that eBooks will be a common phenomenon in the near future.

Change is constant and technology is ever changing.  Technology provides new ideas and new ways of doing things. Via Project Gutenberg and Google millions of public-domain book titles are accessible. This is more than what libraries have to offer. By switching to digital for the public domain, library size would be reduced and reclaimed space could be utilized for other activities. Professor Bell also points out that although library staff services would be reduced, the internet now provides a new way of interacting with expertise in various subject matters. He further suggests that libraries must keep up with the changing technology and grasp the advent of the ebook to provide a better service. The role of libraries is changing. In addition, libraries budgets are insufficient to purchase both traditional books and ebooks: libraries now have to make a choice.  In keeping up with technology, that choice would be in the direction of ebooks. Hence the future is fast becoming a bookless one.

Reference:

David A. Bell (July 12, 2012). The New Republic. Retreived from

http://www.tnr.com/article/books-and-arts/magazine/david-bell-future-bookless-library?page=0,1

Chris Meadows (July 12, 2012). TeleRead. Retreived from

http://www.teleread.com/ebooks/does-the-future-hold-bookless-libraries-in-store/

Self Publishing - Author's monopoly or loss

Like any other new technology  with the advent of e-books, there came a fear of traditional publishing dying a natural death. And slowly it is indeed. With options like e-publishing and self-publishing, traditional publishing is being pushed into the back ground. But what we are concerned about here is, is self-publishing in favor of authors or simply another blow to their profits ?

In article The future of publishing: as frightening as any Stephen King story? by Naomi Alderman, she discusses how best selling author Stephen King presented an example being a self-publishing author. Even though his experiment failed, he set an option for all big authors(who are few, but control majority of publishing business). She goes on to say that if major authors like JK Rowling, Patricia Cornwell, Dan Brown, etc start publishing their books online, without any publishers or agents, they would make more profits and eventually drive publishing houses out of business, both online and offline.

Normally they receive only £1 for each book sold. But if they self-publish and employ a PR, editor and designer and sell books for £2-3, they would still make more profits.«But this would mean publishing houses would have to shrink and small authors, who are not international names, would start to disappear or look for second income sources. 

But to contradict the above fact, Melissa Foster in her article Are Self-Publishing Authors Killing the Publishing Industry? in Huff Post details how self-publishing authors are actually making lot less. She talks about indie-post poll that says "who have 2 or less 99-cent eBooks on the market that revealed that 75% of authors are selling less than 100 eBooks per month at that rate, with 46% selling less than 10 eBooks per month." Even though Stephanie Bond made great success as self-publishing author with her three books, the point to be noted is she was once a traditionally published author and had good standing in the market. What Foster is emphasizing here is that self-publishing is not such a good idea after all, especially for new writers and that in turn is major blow to traditional publishing houses. These eBooks are priced at 99 cent right now, with major price war going on, but where will they be after this ?? There is no where to look for after free !! 

References: 
Naomi Alderman (February 19, 2009). The future of publishing: as frightening as any Stephen King story? the guardian. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/feb/17/ebooks-stephenking

Melissa Foster (October 24. 2012) Are Self-Publishing Authors Killing the Publishing Industry? The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/24/self-publishing-authors-killing-publishing-ebook_n_2008374.html

24X7 Library

We always find it hard to imagine how our parents and especially grandparents are getting used to to the fast changing technology. But looking around we always find surprising stories where older generation is not only accepting the changes but also becoming essential part of it. They are able to identify themselves with it and helping each other to get used to it.

In the Young Witness, A 24/7 future for library article explains how South West Regional Library has taken a step forward for their members to have online access to about 500 titles for free. Not only this, they are also providing training and holding sessions to help them learn how to actually download e-audio books onto their I-pods and enjoy the leisure of reading(listening in this case) anywhere and anytime. They have been extra helpful to older people who are not so familiar with technology and patiently walking them through the digital library.

But according to Regional library manager, Janice Ottey, they will still be buying original hard copies of books for a long time. They are only making it digital for easier and 24X7 access for members. 

This is only example such example. Digitization of books has yet to come long way, especially by keeping in view the older generation who read the most. It becomes a challenge to make them unanxious first with computers and then the comfort and ease underlying e-book, both in soft and audio version. 

Another article titled Old people love Kindle on Marginal Revolution, further supports the fact we discussed above. According to the survey, older people love Kindle, an e-book reader, since it over rides their inabilities, associated with age like visiting libraries and carrying around books. They are able to read at their own convenience. Moreover various display settings enable people with vision impairments to read easily and continue their favorite hobby. 

Hence this is positive indication for all online publishers and e-book reader manufacturers alike.  Every age group is taking advantage of new book formats and hence this holds a great business potential as well in future. 

References: 
Anonymous (October 8, 2012). A 24X7 future for library. The Young Witness. Retrieved from http://www.youngwitness.com.au/story/382481/a-247-future-for-library/?src=rss

Tyler Cowen (April 30, 2009). Old people love Kindle. Marginal Revolution. Retrieved from 
http://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2009/04/old-people-love-kindle

PDF – Paperless Office

John Warnok had a dream about making an office paperless.  To some extent Warnok has achieved this through the Adobe pdf reader.  Initially the program was evolved  to share notifications throughout an enterprise and deliver material to any computer and display it on an computer used in the company. This tool was initially released on 15 June 1993 and was the fist version selling from $695 to about $2495.  Adobe to be successful in later years needed to drop the price as not everyone say the financial benefit to convert into this technology.  The popularly of PDF  files being accessible only increased in the Netscape browser age when the world wide web started its venture. His opened up a huge market place for Adobe to be the pioneer in digitally creating documents and sending them to any user anywhere in the world. The article goes through the Evolution of Adobe PDF- file  .  It has now  evolved into an empire that not only allows you to send a file however allows you to integrate 3D data, used in graphical art, allows you to embed multiple files into a Portfolio. The way we use this tool to access literature has changed. We are able to view and capture books whether pleasure or business.

The uses of PDF files vary in every institution, it have evolved an electronic environment that claims to be more efficient, user friendly and safe. Duff Johnson explains the The Many Uses of PDF  . He stats that “Any business can realize tremendous benefits with PDF”. It is simply efficiency and the ability to reduce costs. It allows for users, suppliers and customers in a business setting o access relevant information at any platform. The one industry we feel that paper is in abundance is the banking or financial services industry. However Johnson claims that the Financial Institutions have also been able to use pdf documents and the  pdf platform in accordance to strict rules and regulations for the Canadian government.  While the Candia Government has stayed away from electronic files to their citizens, they too are getting involved as they do feel this avenue is also secure.

Johnson further explains that too many people are using the wrong electronic form of documents to send and receive files. He explains that Word files clogg networks and we face surprises as we open Word documents. He explains that although there are many other mediums of sending an electronic file such as Word, Excel, HTML, XML and so on, Pdf is far more reliable and is the most favourite one of all to use. It has set precedence in the document sharing and storing electronic mediums.

References:
Published in Preppressure.com Retrieved from: http://www.prepressure.com/pdf/basics/history/6

Johnson, Duff published in Planet PDF Retrieved from: http://www.planetpdf.com/enterprise/learningcenter.asp?ContainerID=1511

Johnson, Duff published in Planet PDF Retrieved from: http://www.planetpdf.com/enterprise/article.asp?ContentID=the_many_varied_uses_of_pdf_

Traditional Books: Emotionally Satisfying

With the day and age of laptops, iphones, smart phones, Kindles and so on, who actually prefers to pick up a traditional book? Well, the following article explains in depth the reasons to choose traditional books over e-books  Choose Traditional Books over E-books . The article emphasis is on the emotional attachment that one has with physical y picking up a book and the attachment that is created by visually and physically feeling the cover and the pages. The article by Linsey Knerl indulges on the fact that “Tangible Books Can be Stockpled for Difficult Times”. It is a fear that technology may one day not be there, the internet is down for some reason. This point one can essentially pickup literature to read without the use of power or batteries. Linsey also mentions that traditional books are a piece of art as to the colour, the feel and a smell of a book can make you emotionally attached. The traditional books also become a commodity that can be shared out and loaned to a friend. E-books are subject to one user at a  time (in most cases). They bring literature to life with the complete emotional experience of feeling and reading a traditional book.

A blog entry posted by Jessica Barone ventures in detail as to whether or not E-Books satisfy a true bookworm . Barone explains that the technology world wants to desperately influence a bookworm to its different  avenues and tools to replace traditional books. All of the companies have introduced the visual aspect of digitally transforming a book into a small screen, further the companies claims that their main selling point is that core to turn pages, the heaviness of physical book. She claims that is comes down to only convenience, that you are basically able to store more books on a deice and not need storage place to store books. The bookworm loves the experience, the feel of the pages, they are filled with memories. Bookworms ... these individuals are simply attached. Barone explains that technology has come a long way, but they do not appeal to all the senses, like feeling the glossy and or rough pages and feel the texture of books as they evolved.

At times we are carried away with technology, but at the end of the day nothing beats cuddling up to a favourite book and re-experiencing the stories that are told and think about the memories that are attached to certain literature.

Reference:

Barone Jessica (August 10, 2012) Published in SSD Nodes.  Retrieved from: http://www.ssdnodes.com/blog/2012/08/can-e-books-satisfy-a-true-bookworm/

Knerl Linsey (1 November 2012) Published in WiseBread.  Retrieved from:  http://www.wisebread.com/5-reasons-to-choose-traditional-books-over-e-books

The Evolution of Books: Hard Copies to Soft Copies

              

As we sometimes describe literature as being “Food for our souls”, we describe how books actually play a large part in this soul search. The advancement and enhancement in technology has allowed us to step into a new decade of few paper books and a slew of digitalized literature. The publicised blog written by Wendy Thomas looks into hoe a Kindle fire and a hard copy book compete with a reader affectionate and practical being.

                We initially started our reading years with hard copy books, soft copy and then came E reader such as Kindle, and now every piece of literature is available as a pdf file.  E books have allowed us to become portable and carry large amounts of data in a simple packet. E books now have evolved in classrooms as early as grade one. They have become a way literature is read and illustrated. This is an age of efficiency and such these readers have made literature accessible any part of the world.

In the Journal of Literacy an Technology, Using Elecronic Books in he Classroom to Enchance Emergent Literacy Skills in Young Children  a paper written by Amelia Moody explains how e-books have evolved in our classrooms. Moody completes her extensive research on how the quality of e-books may promote or distract literacy. She claims that high quality e-readers may enhance and promotes a child’s vocabulary and promote literacy development. However,  low quality e-reader will mostly distract the child with its flashy features and gadgets. She further explains that high quality e-books not only help with children literacy, but they considerably help those who have learning disorders. These books allow for digital enhancements to highlight words and sentences while hearing the e-book talk them though the story. This evolutionary piece of technology has helped many to overcome the hurdle of reading a book. A study was conducted on kindergarten kids who used e-readers versus traditional books. The kindergarten kids with the e-readers excelled initially, however with time, five years, both category children where at t he same literacy level. She claims that while educators love the tool as it makes learning fun, she claims that educators find that children are distracted by other software such as games uploaded in the e-readers. Long-term the e-readers seem not to be more effective with literacy.

Moody, Ameila K (November 2010) Retrieved from: http://www.literacyandtechnology.org/volume_11_4/JLT_V11_4_2_Moody.pdf

Thomas Wendy, (December 8, 2011) Retrieved from: http://nhwn.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/kindle-fire-vs-hard-copy-books-who-wins/

"Jesus Tablet"

In the article "Publish or Perish" written by Ken Aulleta of The New Yorker magazine, discussed the launch of I-Pad by Steve Jobs on Jan 27, 2010. He went on  to describe the whole anticipation in the publishing market, regarding I-Pad, how it was going to give tough competition to Amazon.ca which had launched Kindle as first e-book reader. 

I-Pad I

The publishing industry called it the savior or the Jesus tablet, because they expected it to save the industry from declining sales and profits, by giving them an incentive to raise prices, which had been driven to crazy low of $9.99 by Amazon. The speculation was that I-pad will have its own prices and force Amazon to raise bars and hence allow other publishers to join hands with Apple and bring e-books to masses. 
The whole concept was that with Kindle being only portable e-book reader (Laptops being bit cumbersome), Amazon was monopolizing the e-book business by buying books from publishers and selling at very low prices. With I-Pad, the hope was that publishers could self-publish their books on internet and reach readers on their own(without the agents like Amazon). Hence it was called "Jesus tablet".

And it indeed has been revolution in E-books and helping publishers in getting back on track. But main concern was comprehending to Steve Jobs's agency models, where E-book providers like Amazon and Apple were to act as agents between Publishers and Customers on commission basis. Amazon did not work this way, and if biggest 6 publishing houses agreed to Apple's terms, Amazon would had to switch their whole policy. 

In the same article, Amazon’s Russ Grandinetti, however mentioned that real competition wasn't between books and e-books it was between reading, TV, movies, videos and other modes trying to attract customers' time and interest. he emphasized that they were making mistake and had to consider themselves to be in multimedia business not just books and take advantage of opportunities. 

References : Ken Aulleta (April 26, 2010). Publish or Perish. The New Yorker. Retrieved from http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/04/26/100426fa_fact_auletta