The Changing Landscape of the Information Profession was the topic of an SLA Europe panel discussion session I was asked to facilitate last week. It has been ably reviewed in different blogs and discussion lists.
One question asked the panel whether they thought there will be any future for print books. I chose to split this into two questions and ask for a show of hands from the audience. The first was to ask if there was a future for business books. The majority in the audience felt not. Then we explored thoughts on the future for leisure reading. This time over 50% of the audience felt there was a future. The panel was split 50/50 and to quote Sara Batts 'I suspect that at some point in the future I will own an e-book reader; but unless one is invented that survives being dropped in the bath, I will be hanging on to my paper books too.' I concurred with her which meant the majority panel view was positive for the future of books, at least for leisure.
Today I spotted an excellent animated film for the New Zealand Book Council - of Going West by Maurice Gee - a Film for NZ Book Council, Produced by Colenso BBDO, Animated by Andersen M Studio. I had to watch it two or three times, each time seeing more depth and something new and it just reminded me of why I love to read. I challenge you not to be drawn in.
Off now to borrow the book at our wonderfully refurbished John Harvard Library in Borough High Street, and probably one or two more to boot.