I’ve always been the type of reader that preferred physical books than e-books.
There has always been something special about the “classic” reading experience of carrying around a newly released book, turning the page and being able to see how far I’ve read.
However once I started college, I began to appreciate e-books a lot more, especially when it came to English classes. When there was a required reading and my copy wouldn’t come in time, e-books saved the day.
Additionally, I didn’t have to lug around a 500+ page classic novel just to finish it, because I could easily download a copy onto my phone or e-reader.
If a Cerritos College student for instance takes 12 units a semester, that can equate to 3-4 classes worth of textbooks. In that time, students will probably be required to purchase at least 1-2 books per class and that can definitely add up.
Digital textbooks generally tend be cheaper than physical copies (depending on edition) as well and have a number of other benefits.
If a book is required right away for an assignment, etc., students don’t have to worry about delays because it takes little time to purchase and download.
When one needs to locate a specific word or phrase it is very easy click on the search bar on a digital copy and find it. This saves the time of flipping through pages of a print textbook.
Additionally if one needs to see a word or phrase much clearer, there are easy ways to change or customize the font size/type and even screen brightness. One can also easily highlight and bookmark pages or passages for later viewing.
Now, one can have hundreds more books on an e-reader for required or pastime reading and not have to worry about having to carry a number of physical books at once.
Libraries too have made it so much easier to have faster access to more books through online catalogs and digital downloads.
Now I find myself reaching for digital books or some other form of electronic reading like audio-books. While it may not be the “classic” reading experience, it sure does have its benefits.
