While still in its infancy, E-publishing, and the growing popularity of electronic books (E-books) has, and is, having a huge impact on authors, readers, and the traditonal publishing industry. The book as we know it may become obsolete, and the library has a giant wild child on its hands.
To understand the current status of E-publishing, it is helpful to know its history.
Wikipedia is a good place to find information about new technology and digital era terminology. Other resources may be gleaned by searching the list of citation sources provided with Wikapedia articles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_publishing
The invention of the Gutenberg Press revolutionized publishing and opened up access to information for the masses in approximately 1440. It was not until 1971 that an alternative to the bound book is offered, when the U.S. Declaration of Independence is digitized by Michael S. Hart, his goal being to digitize and offer the world's 10,000 most influential books and documents for free.
Hart's brainchild, the first digital library, is aptly named 'Project Gutenberg,' evolving into a vast volunteer effort to promote the creation and distribution of E-books at little or no cost.
Earlier use of E-book communication was envisioned for, used by, and limited to small interest groups in order to share technical information without the delay of traditional publishing.
The bulk of Project Gutenbergs' vast collection of free E-books are written before 1900, their age placing them in the public domain.
U.S. Libraries first began providing free scholarly, technical and professional e-books to the public in 1998, through their web sites and associated services, although downloads were not offered. By 2003, libraries began offering free downloadable popular fiction and non-fiction E-books to the public, launching an E-book lending model for public libraries.
The scope of the E-book has evolved to include a much broader user base than originally conceived, but it is the required readers needed to access E-books that have fueled turf wars, splintering the potential universality of E-books with proprietarial features disallowing transfer of E-books from one reader to another.
Amazon, Apple, Sony, Barnes and Noble and other giants have released the Kindle, the iPad, the PRS-500, and the Nook, respectively, each snagging a share of the E-book market. The E-book demand increases as E-readers become more efficient and affordable.
While it is unknown if and when the E-book will be replaced by future technology, the E-book is currently outselling hardbound books, major bookstores are closing, and the traditonal publishing industry is turned on its ear.
Next are pros and cons of electronic publishing...
http://reviews.cnet.com/how-to-self-publish-an-e-book
To understand the current status of E-publishing, it is helpful to know its history.
Wikipedia is a good place to find information about new technology and digital era terminology. Other resources may be gleaned by searching the list of citation sources provided with Wikapedia articles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_publishing
The invention of the Gutenberg Press revolutionized publishing and opened up access to information for the masses in approximately 1440. It was not until 1971 that an alternative to the bound book is offered, when the U.S. Declaration of Independence is digitized by Michael S. Hart, his goal being to digitize and offer the world's 10,000 most influential books and documents for free.
Hart's brainchild, the first digital library, is aptly named 'Project Gutenberg,' evolving into a vast volunteer effort to promote the creation and distribution of E-books at little or no cost.
Earlier use of E-book communication was envisioned for, used by, and limited to small interest groups in order to share technical information without the delay of traditional publishing.
The bulk of Project Gutenbergs' vast collection of free E-books are written before 1900, their age placing them in the public domain.
U.S. Libraries first began providing free scholarly, technical and professional e-books to the public in 1998, through their web sites and associated services, although downloads were not offered. By 2003, libraries began offering free downloadable popular fiction and non-fiction E-books to the public, launching an E-book lending model for public libraries.
The scope of the E-book has evolved to include a much broader user base than originally conceived, but it is the required readers needed to access E-books that have fueled turf wars, splintering the potential universality of E-books with proprietarial features disallowing transfer of E-books from one reader to another.
Amazon, Apple, Sony, Barnes and Noble and other giants have released the Kindle, the iPad, the PRS-500, and the Nook, respectively, each snagging a share of the E-book market. The E-book demand increases as E-readers become more efficient and affordable.
While it is unknown if and when the E-book will be replaced by future technology, the E-book is currently outselling hardbound books, major bookstores are closing, and the traditonal publishing industry is turned on its ear.
Next are pros and cons of electronic publishing...
http://reviews.cnet.com/how-to-self-publish-an-e-book
No comments:
Post a Comment