InsideTech

I think libraries are going to fade out. I suspect within a few years people will create sharing sites for library books just like youtube does home movies and eventually people will trade book libraries.
Eventually well have our own libraries on our hard drives. If we cant find a book we want well be able to find it pretty easy from a fellow digital librarian. I am not talking about copyrighted new releases but classics like Treasure Island and Tom Sawyer. I also think reference materials that you would need for research papers in school would be hoarded and traded.

I talked to someone that argued that people will allways prefer holding a book to looking at a screen. But I think a book is just a outdated method to convey information. In the end I think storing mass quantities of free literature will become common place.

I cant remember the last time I went to a library for information. I just got my degree last December and whenever I did a paper I got all my information off the internet and so did everyone else as far as I new. Why spend the time physically going in to a library when you can get all the information you need sitting at home using google?

As both a Techie and a collector of books, I'm split on this topic. While I love being able to use the internet to quickly find an electronic version of a book and pull the information I need from it, I also love settling down with a good book at the end of a long day.

With some projects that I work on, I find it convenient to have the printed text open on my desk, as apposed to the electronic version on the computer screen. Switching between multiple windows can get very confusion at times, especially for those who do not have multiple monitors at their disposal. It really just depends on the situation, and of course, everyone is entitled to his or her own preference.

MagiAwen, I certainly understand what you are saying about needing a break from the computer after spending so much time in front of one. I also agree with the idea of being able to borrow a book to preview it before I spend money at the book store. And there is definitely something to be said about level of credibility in a printed book.

As for libraries fading out, I really don't believe that will happen any time soon. I know of many libraries across the country, including the libraries in my town, that are working on expansion and renovation projects. I don't think these multi-million dollar projects would be happening if anyone thought for one minute that libraries were on the way out the door. And considering that most libraries have hundreds of thousands of circulations each month, and millions each year, I would say that libraries are very much in demand.

I guess we will just have to see what happens.

There's nothing better than coming home, grabbing a good book, and curling up in the recliner.  The ability to hold the book, turn the pages, relax... you don't get that from a computer. Want to put the book down and go to the bathroom or grab a snack? Easy as pie. Don't see it being as easy with a computer, even if it were a laptop. I guess you can get up and just walk away, but still... When my boyfriend and I are driving somewhere that is a long distance, like the mountains, it's nice to carry a book along.  My laptop is definitley not going to fit in my purse!!!!! Besides, after staring at a screen for 8 or 9 hours at work, then 2,3,4 more hours for homework when I get home, my eyes just want a break from the glaring screen. I think the world is getting a little too techie. I miss some of the simplicities of life.

If y'all don't hear from me, I've converted into the ways of the Amish! ;)

For those who like to read books: They may read some online or on some electronic device however there's no replacing paper print.

For me on the other hand, I never liked reading! As a kid, I learned to read very quickly for one reason: So that I wouldn't have to do it ever again :) It worked too. I only read when I had to.  Now days though, I find myself reading a lot. I can't stand to watch the news but I read a lot here and read a lot of techy news online. If I had to read everything in print, I wouldn't read at all!