Are paper books better than e-books? Do we still need a librarian?
For generations, we’ve used paper books to spread ideas, source information or just for the pleasure of reading. Then what changed? As technology forged ahead, the mass of a library shrunk to the length of our palm. I’m talking about e-books, a new, ‘more efficient and convenient’ source of reading.
The simple question here would make anyone wonder — paper books or e-books?
Personally, I believe it’s up to the individual. Call me conservative, but I’ve always been inclined towards the classic paper books. Simply saying they’re better would be an understatement, so let me explain why:
The most enthralling reason of all is the smell of printed books. Funnily enough, it triggers me as a sort of blend of coffee and chocolate. (And who despises coffee and chocolate?)
I swear, these books have life in them. The experience of physically touching and smelling a book generates such good feelings. It really indulges me in reading. You would never receive that kind of feeling when reading books on a digital screen.
In all respects, paper books are a work of art! The nuance of wonderfully designed covers and fine fonts. Who would say no to a cozy morning spent at home, flipping through pages of these works of art, while sipping a delicious cup of coffee?
The pleasure of gifting books to others or being gifted; the contentment after seeing the aesthetics of a well-stocked bookshelf; the joy of highlighting lines that touch your heart; and the delight of carrying with you your favorite book wherever you go — let me ask you this, do e-books even come slightly close to paper books in these aspects?
Ever since my childhood, I’ve loved visiting libraries and bookstores. I would spend hours in one. Again, the smell comes into play here as well. You’re met with euphoria as soon as you enter a library. The sight of a plethora of books is a treat for the eyes.
Now, as much as I regard books as the life of a library, a librarian is arguably its heart and soul. It gives me immense joy to meet someone whose passion for books equalizes with mine. Besides, books couldn’t possibly take care of themselves, could they? These ‘works of art’ ought to be carefully preserved and loved. That essentially is what a librarian does: she loves these books dearly with the entirety of her heart.
Therefore, I believe I am right in saying that librarians cannot be replaced — the same way paper books cannot be replaced.
In retrospect, the experience of having a physical book is a beauty in itself. E-books may be cheap, light and convenient, but only paper books capture the true essence of literature. This quality is one that e-books can’t hope to emulate. There is no doubt that they will continue to exist for generations to come.
