A discussion of the future of reading and libraries in the face of ubiquitous digitization of information.

1. The Future of Reading
and the Library
Joseph Dvorak, PhD
joseph.dvorak@gmail.com

2. In the Beginning of Reading Owning Books
Was Not Common

3. Now Ordinary People Have Access to
100,000s of Books

4. But A Revolution Is Taking Place For
Books, Reading, and Libraries

5. While Other Media Encroach Upon The
Written Word

6. So
What is the Future of
Books & Reading?
and
What is the Future of
Libraries?

7. The Pessimistic Scenario:
There Is No Future

8. Reading Falls Out of Favor
• Fewer people read for information as video and graphical formats dominate
• The proliferation of mobile devices further reduces reading which requires
more concentration that other information formats

9. Both Physical and eBooks are Ignored
• With the decline of reading, physical books and dedicated eReaders
decline in popularity
• General purpose portable devices such as tablets, display glasses
and contacts are preferred

10. Libraries are Abandoned and Crumble

11. The Optimistic Scenario:
Nothing Changes

12. Reading Remains a Vital, Common Activity

13. New Media Enhances and Increases Reading

14. Libraries Continue to Be Used and Valued
• The role of the library is still valued.
• Physical books are still preferred by a sizable population segment
• Librarians retain their traditional roles as curators of the library's information

15. The Most Likely Scenario:
Transformation and Renascence

16. New Media Provide a Compelling Alternative
to Physical Reading Material

17. All Books Are Digitized; Physical Books Are
Rarely Used

18. Libraries Transform Themselves From
Providers of Physical Books to Information
Portals and Facilitators

19. Libraries Educate the Masses on Optimal
Search and Evaluation of Knowledge

20. Libraries Facilitate the Social Gathering for
Discussion of Ideas and Literature

21. Physical Books Will Become a Status Item

22. It is Already Happening

23. So
What is the Future of Books,
Reading and Libraries?