The Way of the Book

When I talk about books the number one question I get asked is why I’m entering a field where books are disappearing. I usually say something along the lines of libraries are full of more books that need help that I could possibly provide in my lifetime, but I know that books are fading from the general public. I’m not opposed to the ebook at all and, in fact, just recently downloaded the Kindle app on my phone this pass week to start receiving my first digital copies. I probably started reading pdf format books a couple years ago on my laptop, but I like the idea of carrying hundreds of books in my phone.

Still, what does that mean for the actual physical copy of the book? My preferred method of reading is being able to flip through the pages, go back quickly to a paragraph I earmarked, write my thoughts in the margins and smell the ink. I knew going into the book trade that my focus would be on a specialized set of skills that only a small group of people would be looking for. It wasn’t until recently that I read this article by Seth Godin that I realized even other publishing companies know all about book lovers and our need to own the physical copy. That kind of gesture makes me so happy that the physical book isn’t being forgotten, just more focused on a specialized group. My favorite paragraph from the article:

“A book is a fabulous souvenir, a long-lasting, easily displayed, easily shared, makes-you-happy remembrance of an idea. Buying a book is a little bit of philanthropy, a way to support an author you respect. A book, multiplied, is a personal library, and a personal library is a testament to your curiosity, generosity and intellect.”

There is a lot of talk how conservation will go in general collections of libraries versus special collections. Jacob Nadal of the UCLA LIbrary Preservation Department speaks of this over on the Preservation Blog and like he says we’ve been keeping our ideas like this for a long time. The way I feel, walking the looming stacks of a library and seeing subjects I didn’t even know were related to the one I’m researching, is different than staring down at my digital device that can hold the same amount of ideas and answers.

Part of involving myself in the book world is embracing all aspects of it. Understanding how the public views the book and how publishing companies react to the masses, but don’t forget the history. Since it’s inception over 500 years ago, the book has remained unchanged in its original format. It’s about due for change I think. As long as publishers moving into the digital age still remember the emotional connection we have with books I believe both worlds will blend just fine. There is no fear of the book disappearing, just a shift of how we will be collecting our souvenirs of ideas.