I like my e-reader. It's very portable...I don't need a separate tote bag to carry several books for a long trip, just a specially made case to house my Nook.
Here's the problem: I can't afford to buy books constantly, e-book or otherwise. So where do I turn when I want reading material? My local library. But I'm not able to get e-books at my local library, which, sadly, is not in on the e-book scene. The reason? Cost. It will cost the library $12K!
I know what some of you are thinking: why not just cut part of the recreational reading budget in favor of e-books? Considering the huge stacks of books I've seen patrons bring to the circulation desk, I think there would be on open rebellion if the library did that.
Even if they did manage to get those e-books, I have to ask the question, exactly how many of the people whom this library serves actually have an e-reader? I live in an area with a very low cost of living. How many people in my area can afford one? The cheapest e-reader I found was the Amazon Kindle for less than $90; still not a price someone can easily afford when pinching pennies.
My answer to the question, "Will e-books kill books in print?" is no, not any time soon and certainly not in location.
Will e-books kill the library? Well, that depends. If enough voices speak up and say they want e-books available at their library, then maybe the funds will appear. If you truly love your library, then be prepared for the changes in technology. If you want access to this technology that you otherwise cannot afford, then make your wishes known. Join the Friends of the Library, call the Board of Trustees. Be your library's advocate.
Until next time library lovers.
