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Paper Books vs E-Books: Which One Is Better for Reading?

Article 24 Mar 2023 6642 0

In today's digital age, the debate over paper books vs e-books has become a hot topic among readers. While traditional paper books have been around for centuries, the rise of e-books and e-readers has disrupted the publishing industry and changed the way we read. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of paper books and e-books, their impact on the environment, and how they have impacted reading habits and preferences. We will also help readers make an informed decision about which option is better for their personal reading preferences.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Paper Books and E-Books

Paper Books:

• Advantages:
• Physical books provide a tactile and sensory experience that e-books cannot replicate.
• Many readers enjoy the smell and feel of a new or old book, the ability to turn physical pages, and the convenience of using bookmarks.
• Paper books do not require a power source or device to read, making them accessible anywhere.
• Some studies have shown that reading physical books can improve reading comprehension and retention.
• Disadvantages:
• Physical books take up space and can be heavy, making them difficult to carry around.
• They can be expensive to produce, resulting in higher prices for consumers.
• Printing and shipping physical books requires a significant amount of resources, which can impact the environment negatively.
• E-books are lightweight and portable, allowing readers to carry thousands of books in a single device.
• They are generally more affordable than physical books and are easily accessible online.
• E-books are more environmentally friendly as they do not require physical production or transportation.
• They offer features such as adjustable font size, built-in dictionaries, and the ability to highlight and take notes.
• E-books require a power source or device to read, limiting accessibility in areas without electricity or internet access.
• They can cause eye strain and disrupt sleep patterns due to the blue light emitted from devices.
• Some readers prefer the tactile experience of physical books and find e-books less satisfying.

Environmental Impact of Paper Book Production vs E-Book Production

The production of paper books requires a significant amount of resources, including trees, water, and energy. According to The New York Times, it takes an estimated 12 trees to produce one ton of paper. In addition, the production of paper books requires large amounts of water and energy, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. On the other hand, e-books have a lower carbon footprint as they do not require physical production or transportation. However, the production and disposal of e-readers and other electronic devices also have environmental consequences. Overall, the environmental impact of paper books vs e-books is complex and requires further research and analysis.

Impact of E-Books on the Publishing Industry

The rise of e-books has disrupted the publishing industry, impacting bookstores, publishers, and authors. According to Forbes, e-book sales have declined since 2015, while paperback sales have seen a steady increase. This trend may be due to the convenience and affordability of e-books, which has resulted in a shift in consumer preferences. However, physical bookstores and independent bookshops have also seen a resurgence in recent years, as some readers prefer the tactile and sensory experience of physical books.

Reading Experience and Preferences

The reading experience and preferences of readers for paper books vs e-books are subjective and vary depending on personal preferences and reading habits. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 65% of American adults had read a print book in the past year, while only 28% had read an e-book. The same survey found that readers who prefer e-books cited convenience, price, and portability as their main reasons for choosing digital reading materials. Meanwhile, those who prefer paper books cited the tactile experience, the ability to physically display books, and the lack of eye strain or fatigue as their primary reasons for sticking with printed materials.

Another factor that can impact a reader's preference is the type of content they are consuming. For example, readers may prefer e-books for genres such as romance, mystery, and thriller, where they may consume a higher volume of books in a shorter period. On the other hand, readers may prefer physical books for genres such as poetry, art, or photography books, where the visual and tactile experience is a significant part of the reading experience.

Accessibility is another key consideration for many readers. E-books are more accessible for people with visual impairments or reading difficulties, as they offer customizable font sizes and text-to-speech options. E-books also offer the convenience of being able to purchase and download books instantly, without having to leave one's home or visit a physical bookstore. However, physical books have the advantage of being able to be borrowed from libraries or shared among friends, which may be more difficult with digital books due to copyright restrictions and digital rights management (DRM) technology.

Cost is another significant factor for many readers. E-books are generally cheaper than physical books, with some e-books being available for free. However, readers should keep in mind that the cost of an e-reader or tablet must be factored in as well. Physical books may be more expensive, but they can also be resold or passed on to others, which can offset their initial cost.

While the convenience and accessibility of e-books are undeniable, they have also disrupted the publishing industry in significant ways. E-books have enabled self-publishing, which has given many authors the ability to publish their work without the backing of a traditional publishing house. This has led to a proliferation of new and diverse voices in the literary world, but it has also created a crowded and competitive marketplace where it can be difficult for authors to get noticed.

Final Thought

In conclusion, both paper books and e-books have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences, reading habits, and the type of content being consumed. Paper books offer a tactile and visual experience that many readers prefer, while e-books offer convenience, affordability, and accessibility. The impact of e-books on the publishing industry and reading habits is significant and ongoing, and it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve in the coming years.

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E-books vs Paper Books Essay & Paragraph

Table of Contents

By: Haque | For class 9-12/SSC-HSC | 04-06-’22

Introduction: The use of computers is growing day by day in every sort of work. Now computers are being used in many educational institutions as a medium of education. Many people believe that computers can and should replace pens and pencils. Moreover, e-books or electronic books are better than paper books.

Advantages of E-books: E-books or electronic books have some advantages. First , e-books or electronic books are easily transferable from one computer to another computer. Second , users can store and find e-books from computers more easily. Third , it is possible to modify, enlarge the view or put visual effects on e-books. Fourth , writing on a computer can be more legible and clear, as a man with illegible handwriting can use the computer to type things clearly. Finally , computers can stimulate a man’s imagination quite perfectly. If one can imagine something, he can see the thing on the computer if he has the technological know-how.

Disadvantages of E-books: In fact, there are some disadvantages of e-books and advantages of paper books. First of all , looking at printed books creates less pressure on the eyes. As a result many people still like to read books or printed paper rather than things on the computer. Secondly , the best way to teach children ‘The Three R’s or basic education is still pen and paper . It is easier and more convenient to teach students with pen and paper. It is not possible to teach handwriting on a computer. Thirdly , often a paper book can be more durable and dependable than a computer soft copy. Computer data can be lost very easily due to malfunction of the computer or attack of computer viruses or worms as there are thousands of viruses and worms nowadays. Even many new viruses are created by crooked programmers every day. Fourthly , It is easier to take care of books, on the other hand, people having special training and technical background are required for storing and restoring e-books. Fifthly , Working with a computer for an extended period of time can cause many health hazards such as muscle stiffness, backache, and the problem with eyesight. At last, it is also argued that holding a book with a beautiful cover, printed pages and even the smell that emanates from a printed book has a certain charm.

Conclusion: I, myself, am accustomed to using both the computer and traditional means of education like a pen, paper , and printed books. Still, I feel more comfortable reading a book than reading an e-book on the screen of a computer, because I can handle a book with ease and carelessly. I can lie down while reading a book in my hand, and I can write in a book with my pen, I can put my book in a small travel bag and read while traveling on a train. Another important thing is that a hand-written book, letter, or postcard has a personal touch that cannot be felt in the case of an e-mail message or e-book. All these matters are very important to me. That is why I will always prefer a paper book to an e-book and traditional methods to electronic media for imparting education.

Related Post: My Favorite Book Essay & Paragraph

An Argumentative Essay on E-books vs Paper Books: Advantages and Disadvantages

By: Haque | For class 7-8/JSC | 04-06-’22

Introduction

The debate between e-books and paper books has been ongoing for years, with both formats having their own set of advantages and disadvantages. E-books, also known as electronic books, are digital versions of traditional paper books that can be read on a variety of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. On the other hand, paper books are physical copies of a book that are made of paper and can be held and flipped through. In this essay, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both e-books and paper books to determine which format is the better choice for readers.

Advantages of E-books

One of the main advantages of e-books is their portability. E-books can be stored on a variety of electronic devices, which are lightweight and easy to carry around. This makes it convenient for people to access and read books while on the go. Additionally, e-books do not take up physical space, making them ideal for individuals with limited storage space.

Another advantage of e-books is their accessibility. Many e-books are available for free or at a reduced cost through online platforms such as Project Gutenberg and the Amazon Kindle Store. In addition, e-books are often available in multiple languages, making them more accessible to a global audience.

E-books also have a number of environmental benefits. They do not require the cutting down of trees to produce, and they save energy in the printing and transportation process. Furthermore, e-books can be easily shared, reducing the need for multiple copies of the same book.

Disadvantages of E-books

Despite these advantages, e-books also have some disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages of e-books is the lack of physicality. Many people find the experience of holding and flipping through a physical book to be more enjoyable than reading an electronic version. Additionally, e-books can cause eye strain and headaches due to the glare of electronic screens, which can be particularly problematic for individuals who spend a lot of time reading.

Another disadvantage of e-books is the potential for technical issues. Electronic devices can break or malfunction, which can result in the loss of all the e-books stored on them. Additionally, e-books are dependent on the availability of power and internet connectivity, which may not always be possible.

Advantages of Paper Books

On the other hand, paper books have their own set of advantages. One of the main advantages of paper books is their tactile experience. Many people find holding and flipping through a physical book to be more enjoyable than reading an electronic version. Additionally, paper books do not require power or internet connectivity to be read, making them ideal for individuals who prefer to read while traveling or in remote locations.

Another advantage of paper books is that they have a certain timelessness to them. They can be passed down through generations and hold a certain sentimental value that e-books cannot provide.

Disadvantages of Paper Books

Despite these advantages, paper books also have some disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages of paper books is their physicality. They take up a lot of space and can be heavy to carry around. Additionally, paper books are not as eco-friendly as e-books, as they require the cutting down of trees to produce.

Another disadvantage of paper books is that they can be quite expensive. Prices can vary depending on the author, publisher, and edition of the book, which can make it difficult for some individuals to afford.

In conclusion, both e-books and paper books have their own advantages and disadvantages. E-books offer convenience, portability, and environmental benefits, while paper books provide a more tactile reading experience and timelessness. However, e-books also have the potential for technical issues, and can cause eye strain, headaches and it’s dependent on the power and internet connection. On the other hand, paper books take up physical space, can be heavy to carry around and not eco-friendly. Ultimately, the choice between e-books and paper books is a personal one, and readers should consider their own preferences and reading habits when making a decision. Some people prefer the convenience and portability of e-books, while others prefer the tactile experience and timelessness of paper books. Ultimately, both formats have their own unique benefits and it’s up to the individual reader to decide which format they prefer.

E-books vs Paper Books Paragraph, 150 Words

The use of computers is growing day by day in every sort of work. Now computers are being used in many educational institutions as a medium of education. Nowadays e-books or electronic books are available and are being used everywhere. E-books or electronic books have some advantages. First, e-books or electronic books are easily transferable from one computer to another computer. Second, users can store and find e-books from computers more easily. Third, it is possible to modify, enlarge the view or put visual effects on e-books. Fourth, writing on a computer can be more legible and clear, as a man with illegible handwriting can use the computer to type things clearly. Finally, computers can stimulate a man’s imagination quite perfectly. If one can imagine something, he can see the thing on the computer if he has the technological know-how. In this way, the computer has made education easier and more accessible for all.

By: Haque | Words: 380 | 9-12/SSC-HSC

E-books, or electronic books, have been gaining popularity in recent years as a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper books. However, the debate between e-books and paper books is ongoing, with both formats having their own advantages and disadvantages.

One of the main advantages of e-books is their portability. E-books can be stored on a variety of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, which are lightweight and easy to carry around. This makes it convenient for people to access and read books while on the go. Additionally, e-books do not take up physical space, making them ideal for individuals with limited storage space.

In conclusion, both e-books and paper books have their own advantages and disadvantages. While e-books offer convenience, portability, and environmental benefits, paper books provide a more tactile reading experience and are not dependent on electronic devices or internet connectivity. Ultimately, the choice between e-books and paper books is a personal one, and readers should consider their own preferences and reading habits when making a decision.

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E-book vs. Paper Book: Advantages and Disadvantages

What are the similarities and differences between physical and e-books? Find out in this essay sample on e-book vs print book advantages and disadvantages! Get some ideas and inspiration for your paper and learn more about e-book and paper book advantages and disadvantages.

E-book vs Print Book: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Introduction

E-book advantages & paper book disadvantages, paper book advantages and disadvantages of e-books, e books vs paper books: essay conclusion.

Ever since e-books became a thing, there have been debates on their and paper books’ advantages and disadvantages. Some people believe that e-books will never replace paper ones. E-books are good, but they are gaining popularity at a very high rate which essentially translates to the death of printed publications. It is because having publications in digital format and available to the entire world at the click of a button means they can easily be freely and maliciously circulated over the internet. As such, the writers and publishers will not profit from their works because readers prefer to contact a hacker and get the free e-book rather than buy the more expensive printed text.

Some advantages of e-books over paper books include the fact that they are easy to read, mainly because of the various available functions such as zooming. The e-books are also easily portable using light devices such as compact disks and flash disks. It contrasts with paper books, which are more bulky, notably bigger volumes. E-books are also much easier to read than paper books because accessing a particular item in the publication is defined by the search function.

Besides, paper books are more advantageous than e-books because they do not cause unnecessary eye strain. By contrast, e-books require the reader to constantly stare into bright screens, sometimes leading to tearing eyes due to the strain.

E-books also require the reader to have a specialized digital and battery/electricity-powered device to access the data. If one cannot access a power source, then he/she cannot read the book. Paper books do not have this constraint as they can be accessed at any time, provided the lighting conditions are favorable for reading. E-books are also prone to destruction by viruses and bugs compared to paper books which can easily be protected from damage.

With the demand for pirated e-books over 54% in the United States, authors are gradually losing out on earnings from their works. If not well taken care of, this problem will eventually lead to the de-motivation of writers and the decline of the publishing industry in general. E-books are primarily software functions that must be hosted on computers or sold as independent products that digital readers can access.

This presentation in forms can easily be transferred from one machine to another, making them more prone to the deeds of hackers and pirates. With the world gradually becoming a global village owing to the spread of internet connections, pirates can easily distribute cheaper versions of e-books by providing cracks to counter the need for access codes.

The security of e-books and their genuine marketing is the primary factor countering the development of this technology. In order to address this issue, the publishers must find a proper team of computer specialists to develop incorruptible ways of safeguarding the sanctity of their products.

It includes the development of difficult-to-crack security codes and one-time-use passwords for accessing e-books. The law-enforcement agencies should also ensure that they constantly monitor online activities in order to arrest criminal activities such as e-book pirating before they become widespread.

In conclusion, even with e-books gaining immense popularity, they face numerous serious challenges that have prevented them from being appreciated as a potential threat to paper books.

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The Case for Paper: Books vs. E-Readers

Why a good old-fashioned book is better for your mental health..

Posted February 2, 2024 | Reviewed by Monica Vilhauer

• Research suggests that comprehension is six to eight times better with physical books than e-readers.
• Physical books help readers absorb and recall content more effectively.
• Turning pages as we read creates an “index” in the brain, mapping what we read visually to a particular page.
• Research shows that, despite the prevalence of technology, most people still prefer print books to e-readers.

Screens are replacing paper when it comes to nearly every aspect of communication, but is it good for our mental health? Research proves the countless mental health benefits of reading , but still most people are choosing screen-time over picking up a book when it comes to entertainment.

Even in schools, gone are the days of buying those stretchy book covers for your heavy textbooks; digital modalities of learning are taking precedence, lightening backpacks but burdening young minds with the challenge of staying on-task in a sea of digital distractions. Reading short blurbs on social media as we scroll inhibits not only our attention span, making lengthy books more arduous for our dopamine -addicted brains to digest, but often waters down the language, using more informal, conversational-style writing that offers much less exposure to rich, brain-boosting vocabulary and concepts.

Research suggests that comprehension is six to eight times better with physical books than e-readers (Altamura, L., Vargas, C., & Salmerón, L., 2023). Though many people find they can read faster on a device, the distractions, like social media scrolling, advertisements, and email notifications, often hinder memory retention. Physical books provide an immersive experience, resulting in readers who absorb and recall the content more effectively.

Holding the weight of a book in your hand, turning the pages, and even highlighting your favorite passages are all experienced in the body. In fact, according to researchers, turning pages as we read creates an “index” in the brain, mapping what we read visually to a particular page, (Rothkopf, Ernst Z.,1971). This is part of what allows the brain to retain the information better when read from a physical book.

From the way you position your body when holding a book, to the way your head and eyes adjust to scan the pages as they turn, there are distinct differences in the way our bodies experience reading a good old-fashioned book. “Print books and the substrate of paper lend an obvious physicality to individual texts, while e-books are not tangible volumes and are differently touched, held, carried and navigated,” wrote Mangen, A., and van der Weel, A. in “The evolution of reading in the age of digitisation: an integrative framework for reading research,” (2016, p. 116–124). “The haptic feedback of a touch screen is different from a paper book, and the implications of such interactions warrant empirical investigations. Studies in experimental psychology and neuroscience show that object manipulation provides spatial information which is crucial for building coherent mental representations of the manipulated object.”

In addition to improving comprehension and providing an immersive, embodied experience, reading physical books offers a uniquely social experience that e-readers miss out on. Whether you’re perusing the shelves at the bookstore, coffee in hand, asking your local librarian for recommendations from their collection, or passing along your copy of a favorite book to a friend, interacting with fellow book lovers is one of the aspects of reading that people most enjoy. Downloading books onto your e-reader bypasses these opportunities for connection.

Perhaps what is most salient is the undeniably strong preference most people have for reading printed books. In one study, 92 percent of students reportedly preferred print books over e-books (Baron, N. S., 2015). There’s something special about holding a book in your hand, admiring the cover art, even appreciating the way your bookmark visually advances with time spent turning the pages.

Altamura, L., Vargas, C., & Salmerón, L. (2023). Do New Forms of Reading Pay Off? A Meta-Analysis on the Relationship Between Leisure Digital Reading Habits and Text Comprehension. Review of Educational Research, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543231216463

Baron, N. S. (2015). Words onscreen: The fate of reading in a digital world. Oxford University Press.

Mangen, A., and van der Weel, A. (2016) The evolution of reading in the age of digitisation: an integrative framework for reading research. Literacy, 50: 116–124. doi: 10.1111/lit.12086 .

Rothkopf, Ernst Z. (1971) Incidental memory for location of information in text. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior. Volume 10, Issue 6: Pages 608-613. ISSN 0022-5371, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5371(71)80066-X .

Heather Rose Artushin, LISW-CP, is a child and family therapist passionate about the power of reading.

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The New York Times

The learning network | are paper books better than e-books.

Are Paper Books Better Than E-Books?

Questions about issues in the news for students 13 and older.

• See all Student Opinion »

Analysts once predicted that e-books would overtake print by 2015. After all, they’re lighter to pack on a trip; they don’t clutter shelves; they don’t weigh down backpacks. Yet, e-book sales have slipped lately, and there are signs that even e-book adopters are returning to print.

Are paper books just better than e-books?

In “ The Plot Twist: E-Book Sales Slip, and Print Is Far From Dead ,” Alexandra Alter writes:

Five years ago, the book world was seized by collective panic over the uncertain future of print. As readers migrated to new digital devices, e-book sales soared, up 1,260 percent between 2008 and 2010, alarming booksellers that watched consumers use their stores to find titles they would later buy online. Print sales dwindled, bookstores struggled to stay open, and publishers and authors feared that cheaper e-books would cannibalize their business. Then in 2011, the industry’s fears were realized when Borders declared bankruptcy. “E-books were this rocket ship going straight up,” said Len Vlahos, a former executive director of the Book Industry Study Group, a nonprofit research group that tracks the publishing industry. “Just about everybody you talked to thought we were going the way of digital music.” But the digital apocalypse never arrived, or at least not on schedule. While analysts once predicted that e-books would overtake print by 2015, digital sales have instead slowed sharply. Now, there are signs that some e-book adopters are returning to print, or becoming hybrid readers, who juggle devices and paper. E-book sales fell by 10 percent in the first five months of this year, according to the Association of American Publishers, which collects data from nearly 1,200 publishers. Digital books accounted last year for around 20 percent of the market, roughly the same as they did a few years ago. E-books’ declining popularity may signal that publishing, while not immune to technological upheaval, will weather the tidal wave of digital technology better than other forms of media, like music and television.

Students: Read the entire article, then tell us …

— Are paper books better than e-books?

— Do they offer a richer, more satisfying reading experience because you can physically hold them and turn the pages?

— Are they better because they are free from technical problems, like low battery power and glitches?

— Do print books carry more emotional or sentimental value because you can touch them and see them on the shelf?

— Or is the story not over yet — and e-books will still take the place of paper books in the long run?

Students 13 and older are invited to comment below. All comments are moderated by Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

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No More E-Books Vs. Print Books Arguments, OK?

Jonathan Segura

Jonathan Franzen brandishing his National Book Award for The Corrections . STUART RAMSON/AP hide caption

Jonathan Franzen's in the news again, this time talking about how e-books are chiseling away at the foundations of civilization as we know it. Absurd, isn't it? That the author of two of the better regarded novels of the past decade (give or take) would be concerned about how you read his books. The problem, according to Franzen, is manifold. E-books and digital readers are a con designed to rob you of money that you could otherwise be spending on paper books; e-books are trivial non-objects that you cannot hold and fetishize; print books are durable ("I can spill water on it and it would still work!" he is quoted as saying); and, most perniciously, e-books are supplanting the gorgeous permanence of book-books. "But I do fear that it's going to be very hard to make the world work if there's no permanence like that," Franzen said. "That kind of radical contingency is not compatible with a system of justice or responsible self-government."

Right. So. Read that again. That free copy of Moby-Dick you downloaded to your Kindle with the full intention of one day maybe starting to read it — that copy of Moby-Dick is the harbinger of some liberties-trampled nightmare world. Somehow.

Look. I think Jonathan Franzen is a talented novelist. I loved Freedom and The Corrections . I thought The Twenty-Seventh City was pretty damned good. But, whatever. People are allowed to say silly things. But can we please, please, please get past the e-books versus print books thing? Please?

There's really no need for a discussion about the technology any longer. Readers like the Kindle and Nook are great. They work. They're cheap. You can put a lifetime's worth of books on one — including a ton of public domain classics for a buck or less each. You can cobble together a virtual classics bookshelf for less than the cost of a round of drinks. Amazing.

Of course e-books aren't perfect. I am a scribbler, and you cannot scribble in the margins of an ebook. Not all books are available in digital editions (Martin Amis' Money , for instance, and most of Saul Bellow). E-books do not allow you to advertise your literary affectedness on the subway. And then there's the matter of all those barren bookshelves, in your home and at the soon-to-be-closed local independent bookseller.

Here's the thing: you don't have to be a print book person or an e-book person. It's not an either/or proposition. You can choose to have your text delivered on paper with a pretty cover, or you can choose to have it delivered over the air to your sleek little device. You can even play it way loose and read in both formats! Crazy, right? To have choice. Neither is better or worse — for you, for the economy, for the sake of "responsible self-government." We should worry less about how people get their books and — say it with me now! — just be glad that people are reading.

Jonathan Segura is the author of Occupational Hazards .

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Good e-Reader

Paper Books vs E-Books: The Science Behind the Better Way to Read

21 March 2024 By Markus Reily Leave a Comment

E-books have been around for more than 20 years, and the same goes for the debate whether they are better than paper books. Both formats have their advantages and disadvantages, so when choosing which one to go for, you should consider multiple factors.

Why E-Books May Be a Better Option?

Although paper books provide you with a reading experience which can never be beaten by e-books, the latter may be a more practical choice. Below, we discuss why electronic books may be the better way to read.

An Entire Library at Your Fingertips

One of the main reasons why e-books are a better option is the fact that they are accessible anywhere, anytime. With your e-reader, you can have a whole library at your fingertips, and even gain access to rare books you may not be able to find at physical bookstores.

E-books are easy to carry. While physical books can take a lot of space, which is especially inconvenient when travelling, you can carry multiple e-books on a single device wherever you go. Like a casino app for mobile gamblers, an e-reader is all you need to quench your thirst for reading.

Customizable

Another reason why e-books may be more convenient than their paper counterparts is the fact that you can customize them according to your needs. By adjusting the layout, font size and brightness, you can make an e-book easy on the eyes. This is one of the biggest differences between e-books and paper books, whose appearance you can’t change.

Advanced Features

Besides features that allow customization, e-books also let you use certain elements that can enhance the reading experience. For instance, some e-books come with embedded multimedia or hyperlinks that can help you understand the context better.

At the same time, you can highlight sentences and whole paragraphs, insert comments or bookmark favorite pages. E-books also come with a built-in dictionary you can use if you have difficulties to understand certain words.

Multi-Sensory Reading Experience

You may not be able to feel and smell paper when reading e-books , but that should not be a reason to give up on them. Most of them come with a built-in read-aloud feature. It can provide you with a multi-sensory experience, and enable you to listen to the book if you can’t focus on reading it. It also comes in handy for readers with certain disabilities, such as visual impairments or dyslexia.

Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly Solution

E-books are cheaper as you don’t pay printing costs when buying them. Since no printing is involved, they have a positive environmental impact. It is estimated that a 10-inch-thick tree produces 20 to 30 books with 300 pages each. So, if you choose an e-book over a physical one, you will act in an environmentally friendly way and you can save some money.

Can E-Books Replace Paper Books?

Despite all the advantages of e-books, we are positive that they can never make their physical counterparts redundant. There will always be readers who prefer paper books , at least for nostalgic reasons. If you are one of them, you don’t have to worry. Paper books are here to stay and you will be able to enjoy them even if you occasionally go for an e-book.

Markus Reily

Markus lives in San Francisco, California and is the video game and audio expert on Good e-Reader! He has a huge interest in new e-readers and tablets, and gaming.

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Watch CBS News

Books vs. e-books: The science behind the best way to read

By Amy Kraft

December 14, 2015 / 6:00 AM EST / CBS News

While browsing the bookstore to buy a gift for that special someone (or yourself), you may be faced with a tough decision: e-books or the old-fashioned kind? Each one has its pros and cons, and choosing the best option depends on a number of factors.

Some of the practical advantages of going digital are obvious: A portable little e-reader can carry an entire library wherever you go, which is great for travelers or those who always want a choice of reading material.

On the other hand, research has been stacking up to show that reading on paper has a number of benefits, too. Plus, there's the nostalgia factor .

"First and foremost, consider the person and their lifelong preferences," Dr. Matthew H. Schneps, director of the Laboratory for Visual Learning, a collaboration between the University of Massachusetts Boston and MIT, told CBS News in an email. "Some people absolutely love the look, smell, and feel of the classical book held in the hand, and such people may not want to give up the sensory experience of reading from a paper book. If the recipient of your gift is someone who is adventurous when it comes to gadgets, but otherwise doesn't read much using traditional books, giving the gift of an e-reader can be a life-changing experience for them."

Here's a look at some of the science to consider before you spring for a Kindle, a Nook or a stack of new hardcovers.

Young, reluctant readers prefer e-readers

A 2014 study published in the journal Library & Information Science Research found that out of 143 10th grade students, most preferred e-readers . Boys and those who did not care much for reading also shared a strong preference for e-readers.

"An e-reader has more in common with the electronic devices that young people use all the time, like smartphones or iPads, than a paper book, when it comes to turning of pages, the possibilities of adjusting font size, etc.," lead author of the study, Åse Kristine Tveit, told CBS News in an email.

Reading on paper may boost retention

Several small studies suggest that reading on paper instead of an electronic screen is better for memory retention and focus. The Guardian reported on an experiment from Norway where people were given a short story to read either on a Kindle or in a paperback book; when they were quizzed later, those who read the paperback were more likely to remember plot points in the right order.

"When you read on paper you can sense with your fingers a pile of pages on the left growing, and shrinking on the right," the lead researcher, Anne Mangen, of Norway's Stavanger University, told the Guardian. "You have the tactile sense of progress ... Perhaps this somehow aids the reader, providing more fixity and solidity to the reader's sense of unfolding and progress of the text, and hence the story."

Paper suits readers with sleep problems and eye strain

High levels of screen luminance from an electronic device can contribute to visual fatigue, a condition marked by tired, itching, burning eyes.

There are also potential considerations for those reading e-books on light-emitting e-readers at night (although a number of e-readers do not use light-emitting screens), Dr. Margaret K. Merga, a reading and education specialist in Australia, told CBS News in an email. "Artificial light exposure from light-emitting e-readers may interfere with users' ability to sleep , ultimately leading to adverse impacts on health."

A 2014 study published in the journal PNAS found that reading an e-book before bedtime decreased the production of melatonin, a hormone that preps the body for sleep. E-books also impaired alertness the following day.

E-books help the visually impaired

Individuals with poor eyesight or reading disorders like dyslexia can benefit more from e-books because they provide a range of options for changing the text size and spacing of lines. A 2013 study in the journal PLOS One observed reading comprehension and speed in 103 high school students with dyslexia. The study found that people with dyslexia read more effectively, and with greater ease, when using the e-reader compared with reading on paper.

Schneps, who was the lead author on the paper, said, "What made the difference was the ability of the device to display lines of text that were extremely short (about two or three words per line), as well as its ability to space out the text. When these people read using the modified formatting, their reading instantly improved."

His team has a website where people can preview the effects of some of these features before making a purchase. Try out the interactive tips at readeasy.labvislearn.org .

A fondness for books

Many book-lovers still prefer the traditional option and value the tactile sensation of a bound paper book. "Paper books are, as a rule, very well designed, they look and smell good, and they carry with them a more human touch," Tveit said.

In Merga's experience with students in Australia, avid readers also tend to prefer reading on paper. While conducting the West Australian Study in Adolescent Book Reading (WASABR), Merga and colleagues found that students preferred reading paper books. "One student described this attitude as a preference to 'own something (rather) than just use it,'" Merga said.

More from CBS News

Literature Review: E-Books vs. Traditional Books and Influence on Public Library Systems Research Paper

Introduction.

It is strongly believed that print books will be considered preferred medium for readers, but there is also a widely accepted assumption that technological change will touch upon the transition from transitional book production to digital one. A technologically driven society, therefore, will provide a favorable ground for reducing substantially the print material and engaging the development of technologically driven education.

The emergence of e-books has provided society with a number of advantages and has introduced alternatives of acquiring education. Expanding reading and learning possibilities, therefore, is an attractive option created by online technologies.

However, it is hard to predict whether e-book development can become an honorable substitution for traditional books which value is defined not by its content, but by its cultural and historical affiliations. In this respect, key question arises concerning the future trends in development of e-books, as well as how technologically developed society influence the preservation and perception of traditional book as part of history and culture.

The statistics shows significant increase in e-book sales during the period from 2002 to 2006. Thus, in 2002 the sales of e-books amounted to $ 5.8 million whereas this figure rose up to $ 20 million in 2006 (Nelson, 2008). The highlighted trends, therefore, provides many technology providers and publishers with substantial marketing grounds for triggering the adoption of virtual books in the future.

By 2012, it is expected that the sales will grow up to $ 5 billion and, therefore, scientific and professional publishing in libraries will be replaced with digitized variants of books (Nelson, 2008). Such a perspective will significantly influence reconstruction of existing libraries and will threaten the extermination of traditional books.

While exploring the demographics in correlation with the sales rates, it should be assumed that people under the age category of 30-44 years are the most frequent users of e-books (about 40 %) (Special Reports on E-Book Production and Digital Printing Technology, 2011). Other age categories are less interested in e-books technologies.

The prevalence of e-books over their hardcover versions is also evidence from the survey revealing augmentation from 38.1 % to 49.6 % of people who would rather wait to buy electronic version than buy the print book right away, where the percentage rates range from 18.9 % in September 2011 to 12.7 % in August 2011 (Special Reports on E-Book Production and Digital Printing Technology, 2011).

Aside from statistics, the popularity growth of e-books is evidence because of the increasing rates of adoption of electronic material in colleges and universities. According to Foasberg (2011), “…both e-reader owners and other e-book users were much more likely to identify as early adopters of technology in general” (p. 112). In this respect, the adoption rate of technological devices supporting e-books reading is likely to be promoted in future.

Despite the growing trends in adopting electronic reading materials, uncertainty remains in regard to the role of traditional books in education, as well as well the consequences e-book expansion can have for community library systems in particular and education in general.

This is of particular concern to the problem of cultural resistance (Nelson, 2008). This important aspect, therefore, can become the major obstacle preventing libraries from total transition from traditional reading to online reading. All these issues should be considered by means of examining the evidence presented in literature.

Rationale – Purpose of the Study

With regard to the above-presented considerations, the given research aims to define the basic trends in digital books prevalence over their print versions, as well as analyze what impact it will have on community library systems and education. The study is highly relevant given the fact that the technological advancement becomes the main aspects of social development.

Moreover, analysis of statistics and survey will also help to define the underpinnings of replacing traditional books by electronic ones. Finally, the given paper will contribute to understanding the attitude of various age categories toward digital expansion, as well as forecast further trends in traditional system of book reading in community libraries. The results of the study will also show negative impacts of traditional books reduced popularity on child development.

Literature Review

The development of digital space has given rise to the development of electronic books that are quite popular among teenagers and businesspeople. The technological progress contributed greatly to the prevailing nature of digital material over printed material, which introduced substantial changing to community library system that were previously engaged in traditional scheme of managing readers’ needs.

However, computer software development created opportunities for restructuring libraries and introducing computer classes. In this respect, it is purposeful to look through the literature that explores the origins of e-books development, individual perceptions and demographics of using electronic materials, understand the status of libraries and define in what way, digital transition influences the future of print books development. In such a manner, it is possible to predict the ratio traditional books and digital versions in various libraries.

Growing Trends in Reading Electronic Books

The emergence of electronic books and its conceptualization refers to 1960s. The value of microcomputers and their applications in terms of electronic materials became available in 1980s (Zucker et al., 2009). The next two decades after that were marked by significant expansion of electronic books use, most of which were affordable in many languages.

Today, the variety of e-books ranges from animated versions of books for children to much more sophisticated literature, including software allowing teachers and students to work out complicated learning and teaching strategies.

Along with the growing popularity of e-books and greater availability of technological devices, more and more teenagers prefer using digital version of their favorite books. In this respect, Springen (2011) has discovered that e-reading can become the future of all libraries because of much easier access and portability of online and electronic versions of books.

Such well-known publishers as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and YA Publishes have expanded their market potential with the emergence of high demand for e-books. The popularity of digital reading is also explained by the increased use of virtual space for socializing. In this respect, integrating reading activities into the online surface will allow to increase the popularity of this activity in general (Springen, 2011; Zucker et al., 2009).

The point is that the current teen generation can be regarded as a transition generation which equally regards e-books and published versions. Growing popularity of e-books does not only change the style of reading, but also expand the actual definition of what a book is. In this respect, Valenza and Stephens (2012) refer to the Iconic Project Gutenberg containing a collection of about 36,000 books, favored the movement of electronic book portals.

These online portals are able to provide libraries and schools with collections of a variety of books. Despite the increased demand for electronic books, many teen readers consider a traditional book a talisman. Within this context, e-book titles serve as the precursors of the published version and, therefore, teenagers are inclined to use equally electronic readings and traditional books.

With regard to the above-regarded presented tendencies, e-book expansion is on the rise, but traditional reading will not be removed entirely because of a number of social and cultural factors. In addition, e-book overcomes traditional books due to the technological development and globalization process.

At the same time, gradual, sluggish transition to digital material is also explained by the age distinctions. Specifically, there is a significant percentage of the population (under age of 50) who are not technologically savvy. They are more fond of reading traditional books. Touching physical books, turning pages, and making notes on the margins is another exclusive opportunities for traditional readers to get pleasure from reading print books.

Library and E-books

As soon as iPhone was invented, many people are more likely to use it to read books online. The point is that the availability of e-books is much greater than presence of published versions. As a result, there is a threat of significant fall of visitors at traditional libraries because of considerably higher convenience of online bookstores. In this respect, “…digitization has made the removal of physical books easier for the library to contemplate” (Bell, 2012, p. 32).

Although the process of digitization has a mass character, the need to preserve traditional libraries remains because of the threat of cultural decline. What is more important is that many categories of American citizens fail to access online books because of Internet access limitations. The U.S. Census shows that more than 30 % of households do not have the Internet connection at home (Bell, 2012).

The emergence of electronic books in libraries has challenged the technological base of public establishments. As a result, spending on preserving and monitoring the electronic book database has also increased considerably. Gray and Copeland (2012) have examined and compared the costs necessary to use and maintain print books and the budget necessary for preserving the collection of electronic books.

The comparison is combined with a cost analysis and provides an alternative way to explore the effectiveness of funds spend on both electronic and print formats. The results of research have demonstrated that “…the highest circulating e-books circulated at the same rate as the first print copy” (Gray & Copeland, 2012, p. 339). More importantly, the study has indicated the obvious prevalence of e-book format use over the use of printed version.

Electronic book database creation has a number of benefits for public libraries. In particular, Polanka (2011) has defined that e-books increase circulation because of the 24/7 availability of online library. Digital books do not need additional shelves and specific conditions for maintenance.

Therefore, this type of book distribution is quite cost effective. Moreover, e-book purchase does not involve such procedures as books processing, or shipping. Despite the fact that audio books and e-books are offered in various genres, public libraries tend to introduce popular materials.

Transition from traditional book libraries to e-book libraries creates a number of issues and concerns because of economic and social underpinnings. Publishers also have a mixed opinion concerning the necessity of introducing digital dimension to all public and college library systems because of library specification. The question also concerns the need to preserving purely traditional libraries so as to preserve deep culture of traditional publishing.

Current State of Community Libraries

Today, public library system cannot exist without the access to e-book library. This fact cannot be ignored and, therefore, evidence shows that more and more people ask the librarians about the digital format of the book of interest and librarians cannot ignore this fact because it can undermine the reputation of their libraries.

What is more threatening is that library can lose their regular readers. However, not all publishers are satisfied with this new option in libraries because of unlimited access of users to authentic and copyright materials (Say, 2011).E-book emergence is closely associated with the current state of community and public libraries. In this respect, there is an assumption that e-books can become the future of libraries.

At the same time, it is suggested that “reading on a screen is an unpleasant experience that has, and will continue to, stymie the growth of e-books” (Buzzetto-More et al., 2007, p. 50). Encouraged by the benefits of digital books, many libraries, including Children’s Digital Library, approve the creation of e-books for children all over the world.

Digital revolution in the library introduces specific challenges to the library personnel because of insufficient competence and skillfulness in handling new technological devices and computer software. In this respect, the research conducted by the Primary Research Group (2008) has discovered that “more than 53 % of U. S. libraries surveyed felt that their patrons were less skillful in use of e-book collection than they were in the use of article databases” (p. 20).

More than half of librarians operating financial resources of no more than $ 1.5 million also express their insufficient experience and awareness of library transition to digital resources. In addition, the survey introduced by the Primary Research has discovered findings concerning the readers’ attitude to e-book reading in libraries and have found that location, library size, and origin of the establishment do not influence greatly on the trend in using e-book reading device.

The analysis of e-book vs. print book distributions imposes a serious problem on library systems because of inability to integrate a complex and consistent shift in terms of personnel training, equipment insurance, and e-book distribution. Few researchers indicate the exact number of readers that prefer using digital materials, as well as the percentage of those who support the traditional concept of reading.

Impact of Digital Expansion

Right after the emergence of e-book and e-content, much concern has been raised about the future of traditional books. Each stage in development predicted and assumed the disappearance of traditional print books, fall of text culture, and other changes where the concept of literacy would be altered. However, the actual process of e-book integration was gradual and sluggish and, as a result, many readers were disappointed with the trends at the e-market (Marshall, 2009).

The point is that reading on a computer screen was not satisfying enough; not all genres were available to online readers. At earlier stages, the hardware was too inconvenient and, therefore, readers were interested in e-reader device as a novelty that provokes attention for a short period of time. Further development of e-book material has introduced much more convenient hardware media and more and more readers prefer using those for reading books (Marshall, 2009).

The spread of electronic publishing has a created a new vision on learning, reading, and information exchange. Although electronic books received greater popularity, the role of traditional books remains unchanged.

The history of hypermedia and the Internet captures a much shorter period of time in comparison with that of print book development. Book publishing shapes part of a larger industry including the manufacturing and distributing a wide range of products. In this respect, electronic publishing is just one stage of book publishing history. Martin et al. (2010) marks, “…book publishing has frequently been at the forefront of social and technological change” (p. 14).

In this respect, the digitization of distribution channels, along with demographic and market change, has contributed to reconstitution and dissolution of book publishing chains, as well as liberation of authors and empowerment of reading audience. Consequently, experienced publishers with long book publishing history now encounter a rigid market competition that has been enhanced because of the emergence of digital dimension.

Globalization process is also among the key drivers that influenced the development of e-book publishing and developed new potential markets. According to Martin et al. (2010) “globalization…can be perceived as providing a technological platform for progress with wide ranging benefits to the global population” (p. 18).

At the same time, it can also been seen as a destructive power preventing the formation of culture of print. On the one hand, digitization is regarded as a new step in technological development introducing scientific progress and promoting social and economic development (Martin et al, 2010). One the other hand, e-book spread involves a number of challenges for print culture that is under the threat of extinction.

With the placement of e-books on the first place, public libraries might face the problem of copyright violation. In this respect, Feldman (2010) argues, “Copyright shouldn’t adjust to the digital revolution; the digital revolution should adjust to copyright” (p. 17).

However, most of the publishers declare that Google often outlaws the established norms of copyright and presents significant constrains to preserving authenticity of electronic books of printed versions. Similar concerns are represented in the article by Stoeppelwerth (2011) who discusses possible difficulties related to the emergence of Apple IPads and Apple’s iBookstores.

Specifically, the researcher concludes that U.S publishers “…desire to curtail the e-book discounting by Amazon and other online retailers permitted under the traditional wholesale distribution relationship” (Stoeppelwerth, 2011, p. 74). Shifts to market distribution, therefore, is also among tangible tendencies in e-book spread.

Buzzetto-More et al. (2007) argue that e-book development has changed the conception and purpose of reading and introduced changes to many academic and social spheres. Specifically, “e-books are just one example of e-content based learning object whose benefits include: hyperlinking, nonlinearity, data density, search ability, enhanced presentation, and multimedia features” (Buzzetto-More et al., 2007, p. 240).

Expanding the concept of text, reading, and learning by means of tradition from traditional books to the electronic one, is a controversial process which involves a number of economic, social, and cultural undercurrents. Complex dimensions are specifically connected with deep history of print industry development, inconsistency of e-book distribution, and influence of technological progress on the overall state of education and public library systems.

Traditional Books vs. E-Books

There is rigid debate over the emergence of electronic books and its potent impact on the traditional libraries development. The issue is specifically concerned with cultural, economic, and political issues, as well as shortcomings of digital expansion. Despite the constant expansion of electronic books, it is strongly suggested that the market will still be distributed equally between digitized and published versions of books. According to Milliot (2012), there are several underpinnings and trends.

In particular, “the number of readers who do not intend to buy a reading devices seems to be solidifying at around half of all readers, and even among digital device owners” (Milliot, 2012, p. 2). In this respect, the survey also proves that more than half of buyers state that they are reluctant to buy a reading devices and similar percentage supports that they possess a reading device and, therefore, they would prefer reading electronic books.

To understand the state of online books distribution in contrast to the traditional books selling, specific emphasis should be placed on statistics. In this respect, Primary Research Group (2008) has defined that “non-U.S. libraries were more likely than U.S. libraries to maintain a print copy of a book in the library’s e-book collection” (p. 23).

Public libraries with budgets over $ 4 million maintained printed versions of electronic books in a collection containing 43 % of all books. College libraries use up to 37 % of digital material for course resources (Primary Research Group, 2008). This percentage is relatively slow because of high prices established for the course reserves (Primary Research Group, 2008).

Scanty use of electronic books may also reveal the publisher decision to receive isolated revenues from course reserves. It can reflect librarians’ unawareness of the terms of using the course research, as well as their unfamiliarity with the instructions for using e-book collections.

Impact of Print Material Deficit on Education and Intellectual Development

The development of online bookstores and library websites has triggered new directions in education and learning. According to Larson (2010), there is an urgent necessity to integrate technological devices to practice e-reading activities because “E-books have the potential to unveil an array of new teaching and learning possibilities as traditional and new literacy skills are integrated in meaningful ways” (p. 15).

The first stage of integrating novelties into current reading programs includes redefinition of the text because teachers search for alternative text resources, including electronic books and digital texts. In traditional terms, the text is often perceived as a print passage of speech.

However, the modern definition of texts is confined to a much wider definition of written words. In this respect, Larson (2010) notes, “most children…have a keen awareness of the possibility of combining modes and media to create a message” (p. 15). The positive dimension of e-book integration in education is presented. However, there are still considerable shortcomings of technological intervention to books production.

This is of particular concern to parent-child interaction and negative influence of e-book expansion. In the studies by Moretz (n. d.), it has been discovered that “parents and pre-school children have a more positive interaction when sharing a reading experience with a traditional book as opposed to an electronic book” (n. p.). Therefore, the research focuses on children’s attitude toward both traditional books and e-books in the context of interaction and communication.

Despite lack of interaction between parents and children using e-books, they can still have a positive influence on children’s literacy. Zucker et al. (2009) explains “…to gain proficiency in reading, children must develop two major strands of skills: the ability to rapidly decode printed words and the ability to understand and construct meaning from the language of a text” (p. 50).

Taking into consideration the common features between electronic books and print books, the digital materials could contribute positively to acquisition of similar skills that could be achieved while reading traditional books.

However, e-format of books allows children to go beyond their opportunities that are afforded during traditional reading and encounter new vocabulary through new learning strategies. Another benefit of choosing e-book is presence of greater motivation, particularly for those children who are reluctant to read (Zucker et al., 2009).

Education experienced a significant shift with the appearance of digitized books and materials because of wider opportunities that e-books can proposed. Distant learning and online courses are among such opportunities that allow students all over the world access books from any location and at any time. Despite the fact that numerous researches highlight disadvantage of using electronic books, there are still ones that support e-book learning in terms of increased motivation in reading activities.

Summary of the Chapter

The tendencies in the development of e-book database in public libraries have a complex and multidimensional nature because of a number of factors. To begin with, trends in e-book expansion are closely associated with technological advancement and the globalization process introducing changing to the community library.

Much literature is dedicated to studying the origins of e-book development to define the reasons for introducing digital devices for reading books. As a result of changes, electronic materials have introduced new meaning and conceptualization of text, reading, and the purpose of books. The history shows that digital transition is explained by the need to introduce a new stage of library services.

The emergence of digitization is also presupposed by teenagers’ increased interest into virtual space allowing to socialize with each other via Internet. In this respect, electronic books allowed them to combine these activities and introduce new learning strategies.

Despite the growing popularity of unpublished books, the demand for traditional books remains because of the presence of age categories of people who prefer using print books to their electronic versions. Economic and social factors also contributed to the print book tradition because there are still layers of population that have a limited access to computer software and online bookstores.

A relatively equal distribution of financing between online and published books is also explained by identical cost-effectiveness of both markets. Hence, neither print books nor online books can be out circulation. Nevertheless, the benefits of using digital materials are obvious. In particular, libraries have a great opportunity to increase the book circulation without the necessity to cramp the library with additional shelves.

E-book purchase procedures are also much more beneficial in comparison with traditional book purchase because of absence of specific shipment and delivery terms. At the same time, traditional books can also take advantage over their digital versions in terms of greater variety of genres, as well as greater book availability. But this is just the matter of time.

The emergence of digital format of book distribution in the libraries has raised the problem of authenticity and copyright because many publishers are concerned with the terms of buying and selling books online.

Besides, reluctance of publishers to introduce electronic versions of books can also worsen the reputation of libraries encouraging e-book services. Besides, the rapid introduction of electronic databases requires courses and training programs for librarians who have problems with managing e-reading devices and software.

In the chapter, explanations are given in regard to the influence of e-book development on education and intellectual development of children. On the one hand, digital materials expand students’ opportunities in terms of learning strategies.

On the other hand, electronic books reading prevent them from sharing their experience with teachers. This is of particular concern to children who could have problems with reading because of limited interactions with their parents. Nevertheless, the emergence of distant learning and online courses has widened students’ educational opportunities.

Definition of terms

Electronic/digital/online e-books – books that are saved in electronic formats and can be read by means of electronic devices, including PCs, iPhone, etc.

Digital format – a form of preserving information by means of software. Books saved in digital formats can be saved on specific electronic devices. They change the conception of text and reading because it is possible to use passages in various ways.

Traditional/published/print books – physical books that are made of paper with hardcover and print words. They can be preserved in libraries on shelves.

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IvyPanda. (2023, December 20). Literature Review: E-Books vs. Traditional Books and Influence on Public Library Systems. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-review-e-books-vs-traditional-books-and-influence-on-public-library-systems-research-paper/

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IvyPanda . "Literature Review: E-Books vs. Traditional Books and Influence on Public Library Systems." December 20, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-review-e-books-vs-traditional-books-and-influence-on-public-library-systems-research-paper/.

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E-Books vs. Print Books: Which Should You Choose?

E-books vs. print books: an overview.

E-books have become a mainstay of the publishing industry. However, the demise of printed books as a result of the introduction of e-books has not materialized as some may have predicted.

Still, in 2022, total revenue from published decreased 2.6% from the year prior, and both formats of books experienced decreases in revenue. Let's take a deeper look at both options and the publishing industry in general.

Key Takeaways

• Print books have the feel of a book that many readers love. You can hold it, turn the pages, and feel the paper.
• Illustrations on paper are generally higher quality than even high-end e-readers can reproduce.
• E-books come with font style and size flexibility.
• E-readers can store thousands of books on a single device.
• The publishing industry experienced a 2.6% decline in revenue in 2022, with both e-books and print books having declined in revenue generated.

Recent History of Print Books and E-Books

According to the Association of American Publishers, e-book sales in the U.S. declined slightly to $983 million in 2019 from a year earlier. The lower growth rate followed several years of double-digit declines in e-book sales. Hardcover and paperback books still rule the market, with approximately $3 billion and 2.5 billion in sales in 2019, respectively.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic was a boon to print publishing. Sales rose 8.2% year over year to a total of 751 million copies, according to Printing Impressions, a publishing industry journal. More leisure time and a need to educate children at home were cited as reasons for the book-buying spree.

2022 brought about several unique trends. First, paperback and hardback revenue both decreased, with hardback coming in 13.6% less than the year before. E-books also declined, falling 6.5%. It's interesting to note that digital audio revenue grew 71.7% from 2021 to 2022.

Print books have the feel of a book that many readers love. You can hold it, turn the pages, and feel the paper. People who love to read spend a lifetime acquiring books. They may find it wrenching to abandon their shelves of books for a single slab of plastic.

Readers may also compare the quality of illustrations between the two formats and find the print versions superior. The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes can be bought in either hardcover or Kindle versions but readers may find the Kindle version lacking due to the shrunken size of the illustrations and the relative clumsiness of toggling between story text and annotations.

Some readers also experience some eye strain using an electronic device instead of a printed book.

Books on paper are difficult to carry around, especially hardcovers. If you're an avid reader and you're going on a trip, or if you're just stepping out to a coffee shop, an e-reader or iPad is a far lighter burden than a book or a stack of them.

An e-book might be priced about the same or differently than a printed book. Because of the difference in format, there is an entirely different economic consideration for the good.

There's also the satisfaction of having an entire library at your fingertips, not to mention an infinite supply just a click away, ready to download instantly.

In addition, e-book buyers have the advantage that the internet gives consumers of any products: No space constraints. Just about everything ever published is available, all the time.

There are some drawbacks. You must recharge an e-reader or any other electronic device. Some screens are not easily readable in sunlight. And, if you are one of the millions who spend the entire workday in front of a computer, reading your favorite author on a computer screen in the evening may not appeal.

Beyond Amazon

Avid e-book readers can stray beyond Amazon or Barnes and Noble and read for free.

The nonprofit Project Gutenberg offers 70,000 free downloadable books, most of them classics well beyond their copyright protection expiration dates. The site Free Classic Books offers just that, in an alphabetized list from Alcott, Louisa M., to Wodehouse, P.G.

Google Books also brags that it has more than 10 million books available to download for free, including textbooks and government documents as well as literary classics.

Special Considerations: The Publishing Business

E-books may omit some of the traditional costs of publishing, but it imposes other costs. Added technology costs involve formatting the e-book so that various electronic devices and browsers can properly download and store the book.

Whether it's printed or downloaded, a percentage of the e-book price must be paid to online sellers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This can be anywhere from 30% to 50% of the sale price.

The Independent Route

Smaller publishers and independent authors have more leeway with pricing, but they still have many of the same costs. They must give a percentage of their e-book sales to the online distributor, and unless they are graphic designers, they must hire an illustrator to create their cover art.

Most independent authors have to hire someone to convert their books into e-book format. Plus, they still have the marketing and promotional costs that are required to get their books noticed. However, e-books are overall lower in cost to produce, and that is typically reflected in their lower price than print editions.

Print Books, E-Books, and Personal Finance

With the overview of the industry behind us, let's talk about the finances of owning books. There's a handful of personal finance considerations to make about which to buy.

Upfront Cost

Purchasing an e-reader may involve a higher initial investment than buying a single printed book. However, the economic advantage lies in the long-term savings as e-books may be priced lower than their physical counterparts (as they may cost less to produce). The upfront cost of an e-reader can be considered a one-time expense, and PCMag has several e-reader recommendations that cost less than $100 in 2024.

Subscription Costs

Subscription services like Kindle Unlimited or Audible offer a cost-effective way to access a vast library of e-books. From an economic standpoint, these services can significantly reduce the per-book cost for avid readers, making it a financially smart move as opposed to buying individual books. However, you will not retain ownership during this subscription period, and you won't keep books like you otherwise would like a print book. Note that this section is not consider subscription costs for print books (like a free library card).

Book Resale Value

The resale value of physical books adds an economic dimension to owning a print collection. Used bookstores, online platforms, and book swaps provide avenues for recovering some of the initial investment in printed books. E-books, unfortunately, lack a resale market, making them less financially flexible in this regard.

Storage Costs

Physical books incur storage costs in terms of space requirements and furniture like bookshelves. The economic advantage of e-books is they eliminate the need for physical storage, meaning readers to amass a vast collection without incurring additional expenses. Just think about how much it may cost to move those physical books if you need to relocate homes.

Environmental Cost

From an economic perspective, the environmental impact of printed books, including production and disposal costs, contributes to the overall expense. E-books, unfortunately, may not be as sustainable as some may think. Between the fossil fuels and continual need for electricity, e-books stlll contribute to environmental costs in a different way than printed books.

Production and Distribution Costs

The cost of producing and distributing physical books encompasses expenses related to paper, printing, transportation, and warehousing. E-books sidestep these costs, offering a potentially more economically efficient model for publishers and authors. Though the costs may range and vary based on each book and genre, some unofficial estimates have the total cost to self-publish a book to be several thousands of dollars.

Accessability

The economic advantage of e-books in terms of accessibility is evident for readers with visual impairments. Digital formats allow for features like adjustable text size and screen-reading technology, enhancing the reading experience for a broader audience. Perhaps it for this reason that 25% of U.S. consumers listen to audiobooks.

Change in Preference

Changes in reading habits have implications for e-books and printed book owners. Think of someone who's preference may shift from one genre to another very quickly. If this sounds like you, having greater flexibility with electronic media may make more financial sense.

Which Is More Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Buying E-books or Printed Books?

The long-term cost-effectiveness of buying e-books versus printed books depends on factors such as individual reading habits, the frequency of book purchases, and the availability of discounts. While e-books often have a higher upfront cost with the purchase of an e-reader, the generally lower prices of digital copies may result in greater savings over time, especially for avid readers who buy books regularly.

Is There a Significant Difference in the Resale Value of E-books and Printed Books?

Printed books often have a resale market, allowing readers to recoup some of the initial investment. In contrast, e-books lack a formal resale market due to licensing restrictions.

What Is the Impact of E-books on Local Bookstores From an Economic Standpoint?

The rise of e-books has had a notable impact on local bookstores, with potential economic challenges such as decreased foot traffic and competition from online retailers. However, many independent, small bookstores are partnering with affiliate partners to allow patrons to buy e-books.

E-books offer a potentially cost-effective solution for avid readers. The absence of physical production costs, reduced storage needs, and frequent digital promotions may make a digital library more cost effective. On the other hand, printed books may have resale value, no subscription cost, and greater sentimental appeal to old-fashioned readers. There are many factors to consider when choosing between e-books and printed books from a financial perspective.

Association of American Publishers. " AAP StatShot Annual Report: Publishing Revenues Totaled $28.10 Billion for 2022 ."

David Derrico. " Cost Breakdowns: E-Books vs. Printed Books ."

Association of American Publishers. " AAP StatShot: Trade Book Publisher Revenue Increased by 4.6% in 2018 ."

Association of American Publishers. " AAP DECEMBER 2019 STATSHOT REPORT: PUBLISHING INDUSTRY UP 1.8% FOR CY2019 ."

PIWorld. " Pandemic Drives Printed Book Sales in the US to Highest Level in a Decade ."

Project Gutenberg. " Welcome to Project Gutenberg ."

Google Books. " About Google Books ."

Barnes & Noble Press. " Make More Money by Self-Publishing with B&N Press ."

Kindle. " Digital Pricing Page ."

PCMag. " The Best Cheap Tablets for 2024 ."

Kindlepreneur. " How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book? "

Row House Publishing. " Key Book Publishing Trends to Explore in 2023 ."

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Compare and Contrast Essay: Ebooks vs. Physical Textbooks

E-Books have been taking over Universities and other schooling systems all around the world. What’s the big deal? It seems like the world is split on whether we should remain to the physical hard copy books or make the switch to textbooks on any electronic source that allows it. With all of these textbook changes going on all around the world, we have to make a choice. Which is better? E-Books or physical textbooks? Physical textbooks allow for less glare, no notification distractions, and it forces you to remember it’s there. 

Physical textbooks allow for less glare. Glare is a pain for anyone who is trying to read small text font! Everyone has had the painful experience of sitting down with the text on an electronic device and seeing a lightbulb reflection and glare dead center on the screen. The physical text has little to no glare at all in these brightly lit rooms that E-Books would have. Glare is a pain to read through and it can be heavily distracting. When you have a physical textbook, you will not need to think about glare and how it will affect the reading of your next paragraph. Some people might disagree and say how it is not a huge deal while reading and it is just a quick adjustment. This can be overlooked by the fact that many "quick adjustments" to get glare off the screen, turns into a big adjustment overall and a distraction. 

Physical textbooks allow for no notification distractions. Have you ever been reading an E-Book and you get a text from one of your friends? Most normal people would instantly stop reading and click over to the text message to read what it says. This is a major distraction and can lead to forgetting what you were reading about. Especially if you are using a book to study, this can be a major setback. Notifications are an enemy while studying and reading due to their mysterious, and high important nature. You do not know what the text is about until you click on it, therefore most people click on notifications without even finishing the sentence they are reading. Some people might add that there is a way to get rid of notifications while studying on an electronic device. This might be true, but Amber Alerts can still come through if notifications are off. Also, physical textbooks do not have any electronic pop-ups. One more great thing about physical textbooks is the fact that there are no settings to make notifications turn off because there will never be any! 

Physical textbooks force you to remember that it’s there. Physical textbooks sit on your desk or in your room and it forces you to look at them. Whenever someone is forced to look at something it makes them think about it. E-Books are in an application or a website, and you are not forced to look at them directly. This is a major disadvantage of E-Books in my opinion. The best way to remember something is to have it nearby. Physical textbooks are usually always nearby and ready to be opened at any time. E-Books can be lost on the internet and be forgotten about until your final exam comes up! Some people might set reminders to remind themselves to read their E-Books, but that is a lot less efficient and takes more work. 

As you can tell, physical books are more efficient and perform better than E-Books. The world is slowly changing to E-Books, but I do not think that physical books will ever go away. Physical textbooks allow for less glare, no notification distractions, and it forces you to remember it’s there. These are just some of the reasons E-Books cannot compare!

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Good E-Books Vs. Printed Books Essay Example

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Literature , Books , The Reader , Reading , People , Technology , Size , Typography

Published: 02/04/2021

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Various innovations of technology have transformed the living styles of the individuals. With the help of technology, people have devised and embraced more simple and advanced ways of doing things. Technology offers people a great deal of simplicity in their lives with the use of their intelligence. The new gadgets available in the market possess a wide variety of new features, which grant the people several new means doing things. Technology is advancing to include virtually all aspects of human life through the invention of gadgets and software for the amelioration of the people. One such significant advancement is the e-books. E-books are accessible over the internet and are available to any individual who uses the modern-day gadgets. People who have keen interest in reading books have the great opportunity to utilize the e-books to read the content online. With the growth in the number of e-books readers, the popularity of printed books is showcasing a diminished approach. On the contrary, printed books still hold a prominent position in the lives of the readers. The debate, which argues about the importance of any one of the two kinds of books, is an extended process as they share certain similar characteristics. On the other hand, some of the attributes are specific to only a single form of reading to a great extent. Readers who use printed books can gain an experience of reading while feeling the pages, which is not possible with e-books. The readers who have a passion for reading novels can perceive the effect of the sense, aroma, and feel of the printed pages while reading the novel. Furthermore, it is possible to convey the images and illustrations to the reader in a better way through printed books. Hence, the readers of classical books and novels would always value the printed books and prefer them over the e-books. Although the sense of touch and feeling is not possible through the e-books, they are beneficial for having the capability to alter the size of the screen. The reader can increase or decrease the size of the font, page as well as background color in the e-books according to his choice. These features enable the reader to experience a different taste of reading according to their desire. For a majority of the readers who prefer the font size of the page to be large, e-books are the best solution for them as they can enhance their reading experience without exerting an additional stress on the vision. Since variable font size is not possible while using the printed books, the readers will have to compromise on the size of letters and read within the standard font range provided in the printing books. On the other hand, another advantage of the printed books is that they enable the readers to make any alterations in the books as far as the reader owns the book. While reading any book, most of the people have the habit of jotting their persuasions or making designs, which associate with their thoughts. The printed books offer an opportunity of writing and drawing whatever the reader wants to do. In printed books, the reader can highlight, mark, fold or show concern of significant lines or for that matter, any fact noted in the book. Conversely, unlike the printed books, the e-books fail to provide such access as they are not handy. Moreover, the e-books contribute their readers with the advantage of searching any word or paragraph from the entire book at a great speed with the help of a searching tool. Whenever the reader is in hurry and wishes to look for a point, he can make use of the searching tool, which directs the reader to the page that contains the specific word or line essential to the reader. The e-books are also handy as the gadgets that contain e-books are portable. The readers can access them while travelling or at school. Moreover, the e-books have the advantage of keeping the reader away from boredom as they can carry the reading material with them all the time. On the contrary, since the printed books are heavy to carry, the reader would not be able to carry them easily from one place to other. Therefore, during journeys, it is difficult to carry the printed books as they add an extra weight to the luggage. Conversely, it is possible to share the printed books with other persons, which is not possible in e-books if they do not contain the technology gadget that is essential for e-books. The library of e-books does not contain all the books, which are available in the printed form. Hence, in order to refer a book that is not available in the e-book form, the reader will have to purchase it in the printed form. However, the time taken to publish a printed book is more when compared to the e-books as e-books are accessible to the readers as soon as the authors complete writing them. (941 words)

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A Speech on “What Is Better: Paper Books or E-Books?” in English

What is better: paper books or e-books.

Good morning everyone, and welcome to today’s event. I deem it my extreme pleasure to address this gathering about something that has been discussed across many platforms by now; what is better: Paper books or e-books? Even though the debate regarding this has been going on for many years now, and no one side is winning, it hasn’t ever stopped being one of the main topics of debate since e-books became a part of the mainstream.

Paper books have their own place among the readers from the older times, and even some of the new age readers have an affinity towards paper books. The main point where paper books overpower e-books is the feeling that the physical presence of a book is able to provide to its readers.

Some readers prefer to have the book in hand so that it completes the feeling of having a good time spent reading, and on the other hand, some readers prefer a compact and comfortable style over the original feeling, and they prefer to use e-books. A major point where e-books overpower and takeover the pros of paper books is the ease of carrying many books with you.

Carrying a lot of books while traveling may not seem like a feasible idea, and due to the same reason, the readers prefer to switch to e-books as, on a single device, one can carry a wide variety of books. Some genres like travel books and recipe books are better while they are on paper as the display of pictures is better on paper compared to that of e-books.

Also, most people find it difficult to find the right sort of e-book device, and the cost-effectiveness of the e-book might not be feasible for everyone to buy, and they automatically prefer paper books over e-books.

Another area where e-books beat paper books is the availability and accessibility because paper books often go out of stock and you have to wait for them to be delivered to you, whereas the electronic version of a book doesn’t really go out of stock and you can download it in minutes, but on the other hand, the device might act as a hindrance in the process of continuous reading, as the capacity of the battery plays a huge role of in it.

Paper books hold your focus for a longer period of time, making it easier for you to concentrate while reading a paper book. Also, e-books have the advantage of having inbuilt dictionaries in them where you can easily look up a word without disrupting much of your reading.

In conclusion, reading is a very personal choice of activity; hence, the method of reading is also one’s own choice. On the one hand, many might find the pros of paper books leading the pros of e-books; on the other hand, another group might not share the same views, and at the end of the day, it is a choice that one has to make on their own.

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4 thoughts on “A Speech on “What Is Better: Paper Books or E-Books?” in English”

I love this thanks 🙏

ITS PAPER BOOKS CAUSE IF IT TOOK TIME LET IT TAKE, BUT BY E-BOOKS WHAT HAPPENS IS THAT IT AFFECTS OUR EYE RETINA….

NICE DEBATE BY THE WAY

It is useful for English speech competition

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