Why Hard Copy Books are in Trouble

In Fahrenheit 451 books were banned in the future, BUT WHY? I think the author Ray Bradbury proclaimed that books would be completely banished because of a general lack of interest or demand for such a premature technology within the future. As of 2010 Mr. Bradbury may be right. Technological innovations have given the ability for people to obtain information of numerous devices that much cheaper and more convenient. There are 3 main gadgets that will destroy whatever is left of the book publishing industry.

1. Internet- There are numerous websites and companies that provide the exact publications that you can buy at your local Barnes and Noble. The most common that I come across is the Google book, where they have complete or large chunks of the exact text that appears in the hard copy. It is even possible to print out books, though not recommended because that is not very “eco-friendly”.

2. Ipad- The ipad makes it extremely easy for users to read, transport and purchase books online. Ipad user’s have access to books that they can view, purchase and read all from their ipad device. The interface for this online bookstore is very easy to use and is comparable to buying songs from Itunes.

3. Mobile Phones- Another Google innovation (what else is knew) allows mobile phone carriers to have access to over 1.5 million books in their pockets. The cell phone market is very immature and will continue to grow rapidly. Everyone has cell phones, but not everyone has Ipad’s or comparable devices, which is why this market is so important and sought after. Within the next five, the ability to purchase books on a consumer mobile phone can single handily take down the hard copy book industry.

The one thing book companies have going for them is that high schools and universities are still using hard copy textbooks. I think this is going to change very quickly. Ebooks, or online books are much cheaper and with the budget cuts and financial problems that school districts are facing it would not make sense to spend more money that is not necessary. Last year Washington DC schools saw the light and switched to ebooks and I am sure others will soon follow.