At the beginning of 2013, it was announced that the first book-less library had been commissioned in Bexar County, Texas, which will allow people to read any of their collection of e-books on site on provided e-readers, or download them remotely.
The project has been endorsed by the local education authority as a way of making reading more accessible. Rey Madrigal, a representative from the school district, says that: “Right now, hands-on technology, iPads – all those resources – are what kids want”, and it is hoped that the scheme will help improve literacy in the neighbourhood.
The concept of the book-less library does have its benefits. E-books are infinitely cheaper than their paper counterparts meaning that a much wider range of titles could be provided. Space constraints will no longer be an issue and upkeep will be cheaper, since e-books wouldn’t need constant re-shelving.
Madrigal also states that technology is generally a good way of making education “cool”, and more appealing to the younger generation. Will the virtual library be the final nail in the coffin for the printed word? The answer is that only time will tell, but books are still around for now.