When the Jubilee library opened in Brighton, UK it was described as the ‘library of the future‘. However some have complained that whilst the building is futuristic, the books are not.
Maybe the books of the future are on their way though. The publisher Bloomsbury has been searching for something to do with its Harry Potter windfall, and this is one of the things they have come up with.
The Bloomsbury Library Online is an electronic book service for libraries. The libraries choose which books to ‘stock’ and library members can read the books through a viewer which is available in the library. It’s just a trial at the moment, with 4 different titles available, so it remains to be seen whether UK libraries will embrace the future.
Via Wired UK
I think its true that people don’t use libraries as much now that books are often not too expensive to buy. Also I think people sometimes use book shops as libraries! Some places like Borders have comfy sofas and they seem to encourage people to sit and read.
Although I prefer reading physical books sometimes I read books online. I like to read Christian books and I love the website http://www.desiringgod.org because you can download all John Piper’s books as well as sermons so it doesn’t use any paper and doesn’t cost you anything. I think electronic books must be the way forward!
I prefer to read actual books than online versions, like you. It will be interesting to see whether people use the new service. I think a lot depends on how easy it is to read on the viewer. It’s definitely better for the trees, as you pointed out.