During the past week I have notice a variety of issues that have an interesting connection. Paper books versus E-books, classroom versus online, and traditional illustration media versus digital media. The one thing that they have in common is that one is an artifact that can be seen, smelled, and touched, versus an artifact that can only be seen and relies on another divice in order for it to be displayed.
I find it interesting that in choosing an iPad cover, I am drawn to the covers that resemble books. The DODOcase and BOOK. It is kind of a mix and maybe it is a cheep trick to comfort my fingers with a bit of warm textured book cloth while reading an iBook.
The university library is considering reducing the physical books because of space and the idea has met with some stiff resistance. Right now I can see how different shades from digital to physical can fill a niche where the content can be served most efficiently and effectively.
I was happy to see cassette tapes, CDs, and DVDs, go the way of the Dodo, but books are different to me. They seem to be more than a medium to distribute information.
Librarians live for people like you.