> Ok, seeing that I work in a library, I just have to respond to this.
>
> Two things...
>
> 1-I love books, there's something to be said for holding a book in your hand, perhaps one that has been held in the hands of your grandmother and beyond. I love immersing myself in a good book, getting lost in the pages and the story.
>
> 2-e-books are a good idea. They cut down on paper waste, not to mention those nasty paper cuts. ;-)

> Ti'I think, at the very least, e-books should cost much less than print...you don't have to pay for the paper!"cia


I knew I had to respond when I saw the topic. I worked in a library one summer, and my mom just finished her thesis for her master's degree in Library Science. I taught myself to read when I was four and have been reading ever since. We didn't even have television until I was about 17 (my mom wouldn't allow it).

Okay, with that introduction out of the way, I will continue. I love holding a book and "climbing" into its pages to explore a new world. During hard times, I have always escaped to my room and read for hours. When I was quite young, I spent my hard-earned money on books.

However, I am also an avid fan of computers and the internet. Personally, I really don't see where the conflict is. The internet has made it so much easier to do proper, efficient research. Even if e-books become more dominant than paper ones (which they probably will, since paper biodegrades over time), that won't make libraries obselete. With today's technology advancing as rapidly as it is, I wouldn't be surprised to one day see libraries filled with little cards, each one containing "books" that can be checked out and viewed on a computer of the future (perhaps a combination between a laptop and a Palm Pilot).

And let me make one more point that James Billington apparently is not aware of. As part of her master's program to become an "official" librarian, my mom has learned several webpage programs such as basic html, Java, and Java Script. Today's librarians ARE learning to use the internet, whether or not Mr. Billington knows it. With her newly-acquired skills, my mom created a web page for the high school library where she works. It has gotten excellent feedback and has generated a lot of interest toward the library.

I know you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but why should Mr. Billington criticize something that can be used to benefit, not hinder, today's libraries?

-Ell "Okay, I had my rant for the day!" myruh