IC Head Librarian Colleen McDonnell assumed the role of emergency medical technician to debate with Information Technology Department Head Mahmud Shihab the future of the hard copy physical book versus emergence of the electronic book. Ms McDonnell opened with some statistics on reading, quoting that in 1960 less than 50% answered yes when asked if they had read a book in the last year. In contrast, the number of yes responses in 1994 rose to 84% indicating that reading of books is increasing. “This debate is not about whether people read,” said Ms McDonnell, “it is about whether the book as we know it will disappear as our means of scholarly and cultural communication.” Mr. Shihab countered with the arguments of accessibility and convenience. He demonstrated the latest technology in laptop or tablet computers that in a closed position are only 1inch thick and are expected to go to .5 inch thick. The copy displayed on screen can be written on, thus allowing a reader to make margin notes on a book. Highlighted material can be saved as highlighted. In essence, the combination of a laptop and a credit card will allow the reader to carry every book that is available on-line with them anywhere. Should there be a choice? Can we develop a sense of what to use when? Both are alive and well.
 | | Mr. Shihab makes a convincing case for the advent and evolution of the ebook. |
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