Thing #9: eBooks, eBooks, eBooks!

Now that I am offically a proud owner of an Android, I was especially excited for this lesson.  I downloaded the Kindle app and for the purpose of this lesson, I downloaded the #1 free eBook offered by Amazon.  The process was so effortless and quick!  I opted for a free book for a few reasons.  I am not sure how committed to eBooks I am, so I don't think I can put money into them, knowing I will never be able to physically hold it, or watch it age from use and love, or loan it someone or bookmark a page with my favorite bookmark.  Call me old-fashioned (or a nerd) but these are the things I love.  Right now, I feel like I am an adulterer, who has been married to print for so long, and having an affair with these seductive eBooks.  My heart will always be foremost with printed books, but I find myself attracted to the mysterious world of eReaders and books.

For the purpose of libraries, I think eBooks are wonderful. Though I have to admit, I have never had a patron ask anything about Overdrive or anything eBook related, I do think they will become more and more popular as they progress with availablity of books.  Once the Kindle turns its leaf and forms a relationship with libraries, I think we will see more and more patrons looking for help, because I think Kindle is a more popular eReader, since its pretty affordable.  However, I have very limited knowledge and experience in this field, so what do I know?

I thought it was really interesting to see the Amazon results on print vs. eBook sales and I know its a valid arguement to say that the eBooks won the race, but I feel like in that setting it makes sense.  With regards to libraries, I don't think eBooks will ever take over because there will always be the hoi-polloi who just don't want to deal with eReaders, or just don't have the time or money to ivest into them.  I'm really curious to see the future of eReaders, and to see if its more or less a trend, or if it will grow and take off.