The idea of carrying around the equivalent of hundreds of CDs in a pocket-sized device no longer shocks many people. But what about having an entire library in the palm of your hand? New technology may soon allow you to take "War and Peace" with you wherever you go.
According to a recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education, the face of reading may be changing thanks to the increased prevalence of online book catalogues and new e-book technology. With statistics showing that people today read less than those of past generations, often preferring television and other mediums for entertainment and information, digital content may represent the future of reading in modern society.
At Tufts, where simply passing most classes involves reading a mixture of printed and digital material, students have mixed views on whether reading is falling by the wayside.
Junior Kate Berson said she thinks that people are reading less than they did in the past.
"I feel like there are so many more options now in terms of entertainment," Berson said. "People might choose to play video games or do a billion other things."
But with expanded options come expanded opportunities to read and acquire information, according to freshman Brandon Taylor.
"They probably read a lot less than they used to, just because of all the technology that's out there - or more, because there's more sources out there," Taylor said. "I'd say they read [fewer] books."
Senior Maia Leppo believes that the way people read varies more based on their personality than the culture they live in.
"There's always the people who read everything for class and outside of class," Leppo said. "And there's people who don't read."
In general, students were supportive of new e-book technologies that allow people to read using their computers. Leppo suggested a hand-held digital reading device similar to an iPod and senior Josh Silverstein said such technology would have attractive environmental benefits.
"I think it could be great on a number of levels," Silverstein said. "For one thing, the fact that it's reducing all this text onto a screen ... You're using less paper; it's beneficial for the environment."
Silverstein added that, for students, the ability to consolidate books could be a boon. "It would be a lot more beneficial for students to have all their textbooks on one device," he said.
Another one of the benefits of having books readily available online, which some libraries already offer through digital archives, is increaed ease for students looking for references. Sophomore Christopher Perrone felt that increased availability of books was one potential benefit of new technology.
"It definitely gives people more access," Perrone said. "The library might not have the book - when it's online, it's easy for people."
Jonathan Strong, a lecturer in the English department, agreed that having more texts online could change the way people look for books.
"If you develop an obsession for a particular author, you can find all their works [online]," Strong said.
But while new technology may sound attractive, some students felt that e-book devices and programs are unlikely to change their peers' reading habits. Taylor said that people who aren't interested in reading will simply not read - hard copy or not.
"I don't think it would have an effect," Taylor said. "You're still taking time to read the novel ... It's the same time and effort."
Berson agreed.
"It might make people more likely to read if [books are] more accessible," she said. "But at the same time, unless you're reading really short things, it's still a commitment to read a book."
Many students also indicated that they would be unwilling to trade in their books for an electronic device. Silverstein acknowledged this reticence.
"I know there are a lot of people - purists - who think it ruins the full reading experience, which I understand," Silverstein said.
The physicality of books was one of the main reasons Jumbos cited for keeping them around instead of shifting to electronic devices. With e-books, "you don't get a physical feel of each individual book," Strong said. "You can't flip through the pages one by one."
Berson agreed. "It's not as pleasing an experience if you're reading something on a screen," she said. "I think it's aesthetically pleasing [to read a paper book] ... There are associations with that - knowledge, or something more intimate."
For Taylor and others, the ability to take notes in books is a key factor.
"You can write in them, take notes in them," Taylor said. "It serves better to memorize certain aspects of books."
"I probably would still carry around books, and I don't like reading on a computer screen," Leppo said. "If it's for a class, I like to be able to write on them and - I don't know, I just like having them on me, in paper form."
While some Jumbos are unwilling to leave their paper books behind, Strong said that if electronic reading makes people more likely to read, the differences are moot.
"I'm for anything that gets people reading," he said. "And I don't think it makes a difference if it's on a page or on a screen."
