A couple of months ago on this list there was some brief discussion
of electronic books. Those interested in such things should take a look
at an article in the latest issue (the Chrismas special issue) of
_The Economist_ - December 19th 1998, vol 349 (8099) pp 151-154
"Bad news for trees"
Taking a realistic approach, the author reviews the past and future of
print-on-paper technology, mentioning several soon-to-be-launched
eBook readers. The author refers to the paradox whereby givng away
free electronic access (e.g. to the Starr report) has boosted sales of
printed versions, so I'm sure he won't mind if I reproduce a couple of
quotes that made me chortle:
Referring to the mistaken belief that electronics will kill off paper:
"In general, there are far fewer murders in the history of technology than
sentimentalising intellectuals like to make out".
Referring to the advantages of print on paper:
"The interface is intuitive and compatible with all earlier reading devices:
customers upgrading from Sumerian clay tablets do not need to call
technical support".
Well worth a read. It opens up all kinds of interesting new problems for
librarians just around the corner!
http://www.economist.com/editorial/freeforall/current/index_xm0015.html
Frank Norman National Institute for Medical Research
Deputy Librarian The Ridgeway, Mill Hill
London NW7 1AA, UK
tel 0181 959 3666 ext 2380 email [log in to unmask]
fax 0181 913 8534 http://www.nimr.mrc.ac.uk/personal/Frank
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