The Future of Reading

and the Library

Joseph Dvorak, PhD

joseph.dvorak@gmail.com

In the Beginning of Reading Owning Books

Was Not Common

Now Ordinary People Have Access to

100,000s of Books

But A Revolution Is Taking Place For

Books, Reading, and Libraries

While Other Media Encroach Upon The

Written Word

So

What is the Future of

Books & Reading?

and

What is the Future of

Libraries?

The Pessimistic Scenario:

There Is No Future

Reading Falls Out of Favor

• Fewer people read for information as video and graphical formats dominate

• The proliferation of mobile devices further reduces reading which requires

more concentration that other information formats

Both Physical and eBooks are Ignored

• With the decline of reading, physical books and dedicated eReaders

decline in popularity

• General purpose portable devices such as tablets, display glasses

and contacts are preferred

Libraries are Abandoned and Crumble

The Optimistic Scenario:

Nothing Changes

Reading Remains a Vital, Common Activity

New Media Enhances and Increases Reading

Libraries Continue to Be Used and Valued

• The role of the library is still valued.

• Physical books are still preferred by a sizable population segment

• Librarians retain their traditional roles as curators of the library's information

The Most Likely Scenario:

Transformation and Renascence

New Media Provide a Compelling Alternative

to Physical Reading Material

All Books Are Digitized; Physical Books Are

Rarely Used

Libraries Transform Themselves From

Providers of Physical Books to Information

Portals and Facilitators

Libraries Educate the Masses on Optimal

Search and Evaluation of Knowledge

Libraries Facilitate the Social Gathering for

Discussion of Ideas and Literature

Physical Books Will Become a Status Item

It is Already Happening

So

What is the Future of Books,

Reading and Libraries?