Since it has been in progress for a few decades, the most recent change in reading and literary consumption poses the same severe threat as any other. We are now consuming words very differently thanks to the internet and gadgets like e-readers, cellphones, and tablets.
All around the world, access to information and written language has suddenly increased. As more people gain access to the internet and mobile technology, this tendency is expected to continue to expand.
Effect It Has
In the majority of libraries, computerised indexes that can be accessed locally or online have replaced the hand-typed card catalogues that were thumbed through generations of users. Can the demise of libraries themselves be far behind now that Google has agreed to scan millions of books from five major libraries and to make their contents searchable on the Web? Experts say that this project is likely to produce spinoff technologies that drastically lower the costs of digitization and catalyse similar efforts worldwide.
Citing Modern Lifestyle Changes
Many people lack the time to read books because of smartphone addiction or busy schedules. They might not even consider visiting libraries as a result. In other words, fewer individuals are visiting libraries over time. Considering how busy their lives are, some people prefer to read books on electronic reading devices. They don’t need to carry all the books along; they can read any book they choose on a single gadget. Therefore, fewer individuals are visiting libraries as a result of this facility.
With so much information available by a link or two, reading and researching on an internet-connected device may, of course, be immensely beneficial. Though studies have proven it can also be damaging to the calibre of study, it can undoubtedly be distracting.
In 2015, a study of student research paper citations found that 46% of the citations came from Google’s home page. 77 percent were shown on the first three pages.
There are worries that the emphasis on superficial reading could impede the growth of deep reading abilities including deliberate thought, critical analysis, and inferential reasoning. Making it safe to say that, Yes, technology is indeed the death for all libraries.
