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Essay 10: Ebooks – Advantages and Disadvantages

With the rise of Ebooks comes the decline of paper books. Some people see this as a good step forward while others do not. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Sample response 1.

Over the past decade, technology has revolutionized almost every walk of life. One such innovation has been Ebooks which are increasingly becoming popular and replacing paper-based books. Many considered it a positive development because of the convenience they offer and environment-friendliness; however, there are others who deem the trend negative because of harmful effects on health and difficulty in maintaining focus for the reader.

The foremost benefit of electronic books is that they are extremely easy to handle and carry. For instance, one can store hundreds of books on his tablet or smartphone, and travel while reading comfortably without facing the hassle of lifting heavy books. In addition to that, these books are contributing to efforts to tackle climate change. Papers that are used in conventional books are made from wood, and have over the years, led to massive deforestation. With digital books becoming popular, a significant drop of 23% in deforestation has been noted over the past decade, as indicated by a report published in Daily Times.

However, there are drawbacks to this trend of using digital copies over paper ones. One major demerit is that such books affect readers’ visual health adversely. That is to say, if a reader is exposed to a screen for an extended duration, he may develop eyesight issues because of excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, it is also a fact that reading a book on a smart gadget, for instance, a smartphone comes with numerous distractions from social media and other applications. On the contrary, paper-based books are neither associated with eyesight issues, nor any distractions.

To conclude, there are a few disadvantages of e-books like distractions from social media applications and harmful effects on eyesight; but them being pro-environment and easy to carry, they are attracting more people every passing day.

Sample Response 2

In recent years, Ebooks have gained immense popularity, and this has led to a decline in the demand for paper books. While some individuals perceive this as a positive development, others view it as negative. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the trend toward e-books.

On the one hand, Ebooks offer several benefits over traditional paper books. Firstly, they are more convenient and portable. With e-books, one can carry an entire library with them on a single device, whereas with paper books, it is not possible to carry more than a few books at a time. Secondly, e-books are often cheaper than paper books, making them more accessible to a wider range of readers. Additionally, e-books are more environmentally friendly, as they do not require paper or ink and do not contribute to deforestation or pollution.

On the other hand, the decline of paper books has some disadvantages. Firstly, many people still prefer the tactile experience of reading a physical book, as they enjoy the smell and feel of the pages. Secondly, some people argue that e-books do not offer the same level of engagement as paper books, as the lack of physical presence can make it difficult for readers to connect with the story. Finally, the shift towards e-books could lead to the closure of traditional bookstores and libraries, which are important cultural institutions in many communities.

In conclusion, the rise of Ebooks has both advantages and disadvantages. While e-books offer greater convenience, affordability, and environmental benefits, they may lack the same level of engagement and cultural significance as paper books. It is up to individuals to decide which format they prefer and to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each. Ultimately, the shift towards e-books is a reflection of the changing nature of reading habits and technological advancements in the digital age.

Sample Response 3

In recent years, the popularity of Ebooks has grown exponentially, leading to a decline in the use of paper books. While some individuals view this trend as a positive step forward, others are more skeptical. In this essay, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.

On the one hand, Ebooks offer several advantages over traditional paper books. First and foremost, e-books are more convenient to carry around. With a tablet or e-reader, individuals can have access to an entire library of books in one compact device. This portability allows individuals to read books on the go, without having to carry around heavy paper books. Additionally, e-books are often more affordable than paper books, which is a significant advantage for those on a tight budget. Finally, e-books are more environmentally friendly than paper books, as they require no physical paper or ink.

On the other hand, there are also several disadvantages to the rise of e-books. Perhaps the most significant disadvantage is the impact that e-books can have on physical bookstores. As more and more individuals switch to Ebooks, physical bookstores may struggle to stay afloat. Additionally, e-books require a significant initial investment, as individuals need to purchase an e-reader or tablet. While the cost of e-books may be lower in the long run, this initial investment can be a barrier for some individuals. Finally, some individuals argue that reading an e-book simply does not compare to the experience of reading a physical book. They argue that the tactile experience of holding a book and turning its pages is an integral part of the reading experience that cannot be replicated with an e-reader.

In conclusion, while Ebooks offer several advantages, such as convenience, affordability, and environmental sustainability, there are also several disadvantages to their rise in popularity. These include their potential impact on physical bookstores, the initial investment required to purchase an e-reader or tablet, and the loss of the tactile experience that comes with reading a physical book. Ultimately, whether one views this trend as positive or negative depends on their personal preferences and priorities.

Sample Response 4

The advent of e-books has brought about a marked decline in the usage of traditional paper books. While some individuals perceive this trend as a step in the right direction, others remain apprehensive. In this essay, I will explicate the pros and cons of this development.

On one hand, e-books are advantageous for a number of reasons. Firstly, e-books are far more convenient than paper books, as they allow for the storage of thousands of books in one small device. This not only reduces the physical burden of carrying a bulky book but also makes reading on the go more feasible. Moreover, e-books are generally more cost-effective than paper books, which can be especially beneficial for students who require a large number of books. Furthermore, e-books are environmentally friendly, as they reduce the need for paper, which in turn reduces deforestation and pollution.

On the other hand, the rise of e-books has a few significant drawbacks. One of the main concerns is the impact on traditional bookstores, which may be forced to shut down due to the increasing popularity of e-books. This would not only result in job losses but would also have a detrimental effect on communities, as bookstores often serve as cultural hubs. Additionally, e-books require an initial investment in an e-reader or tablet, which can be a barrier for individuals who are unable to afford such a device. Furthermore, some individuals argue that the experience of reading a paper book, with its tactile sensation, cannot be replicated by an e-reader or tablet.

In conclusion, while Ebooks provide numerous benefits, including convenience, affordability, and eco-friendliness, there are also a few significant drawbacks to this trend, such as the potential impact on traditional bookstores, the initial investment required to purchase an e-reader, and the loss of the tactile sensation of a physical book. Ultimately, the decision of whether to embrace e-books or continue with paper books rests with each individual, based on their priorities and preferences.

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The Benefits and Advantages of eBooks

An eBook is a book in electronic format. It is downloaded to a computer, PC, Mac, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or any other reading device and is read on the screen. It can have numbered pages, table contents, pictures, and graphics, exactly like a printed book.

eBooks offer many benefits and advantages, and this article shows a few of them.

It is very simple and easy to purchase, and download eBooks through the Internet. It is exactly like purchasing any other product. The only difference is that after payment, you will either be directed to a download page or receive the download link in an email.

After downloading, all you have to do is click on the link, and the eBook will automatically download to your computer to a folder of your own choice.

After downloading, you don’t have to be connected to the Internet to read the eBook. You can stay offline. If you wish to have it printed, it is very easy. Many publishers allow that. Just click the print button to print the eBook with your home printer.

What Are the Benefits and Advantages of eBooks?

1. eBooks are delivered almost instantaneously. You can purchase, download, and start reading them within minutes without leaving your chair. You don’t have to go to a bookstore to buy them, nor wait for them for days, weeks, and sometimes more to arrive in the mail.

2. No trees are required to manufacture paper for the pages of eBooks.

3. When you need certain information, you can get it immediately by downloading an eBook.

4. Many eBooks are sold nowadays with bonuses, which you usually do not get with a printed book. This adds value to your purchase.

5. eBooks take up less space. You practically don’t need any space to store them. You don’t need a library or a room for them. You can store hundreds and thousands of eBooks on your computer or reading device.

6. eBooks are portable. You can carry a whole library of hundreds of books with you, on CD, in a laptop, smartphone, or any eBook reader, without worrying about their weight.

7. With today’s technology, you can read eBooks everywhere: on the bus, train, airplane, and while standing in line.

8. You can carry with you a great number of eBooks wherever you go, which you cannot do with ordinary books.

9. eBooks can show links, for easy access to more information and related websites.

10. eBooks are searchable. You can easily search for any information in an eBook, instead of turning page after page.

11. eBooks can be interactive and contain audio, video and animations, which can enhance the message that the author is trying to convey.

12. Since eBooks are delivered through the Internet, there are no packing and shipping expenses.

More of the Benefits and Advantages of eBooks

13. eBooks can be printable, so if you wish to read an eBook in the traditional way, you can very inexpensively print it with your home printer or at any printing shop.

14. Fonts in eBooks can be resized, making it easier to read on small screens. It is also possible to listen to some eBooks, just like listening to audiobooks.

15. eBooks are very easy to sell and distribute because you do not need a store or shop.

16. It is very simple and easy to purchase and download an eBook. People living in big modernized cities, in a remote village in a faraway country, or on a small island can equally access an eBook. The process takes everyone the same time to purchase and download an eBook, provided they have an Internet connection.

17. It is possible to purchase an eBook 24 hours a day, every day of the year, from the comfort of your own house or office. You can purchase and download an eBook, even if you are on vacation. All you need is a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or reading device and an Internet connection.

18. People are already spending a lot of time in front of their computers, so why not read an eBook instead of doing something else?

Some More Important Information

Nowadays, one can find eBooks about every possible subject, fiction, and nonfiction, free and not free.

Considering non-fiction eBooks, such eBooks disseminate knowledge, not pages, which means that it is not correct to evaluate the price of an eBook according to the number of its pages.

The price should be determined by the information offered, its usefulness, and its relevance, and also by the amount of practical knowledge, inspiration, motivation, tips, and advice it provides and by the uniqueness of the information.

You might like reading books about personal growth, success and inner peace .

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My Book Brief .

Updated on November 3, 2023

eBooks vs. Printed Books: The Ultimate Comparison

eBooks vs. Printed Books: Which is Better?

The debate over eBooks vs. printed books has been raging for years, with passionate arguments on both sides. Some people swear by the convenience and portability of eBooks, while others insist that nothing can replace the tactile experience of reading a physical book. So which is better? The answer, as with most things, is not black and white.

Understanding eBooks and Printed Books Before diving into the pros and cons of each format, it’s important to understand what they are. eBooks are digital versions of books that can be read on electronic devices like tablets, e-readers, and smartphones. Printed books, on the other hand, are physical copies of books that you can hold in your hands and flip through. Both formats have unique characteristics and benefits; their choice ultimately depends on personal preference.

Key Takeaways:

• The debate over eBooks vs. printed books has been ongoing for years.
• eBooks are digital versions of books, while printed books are physical copies.
• The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.

• 1.1 What are eBooks?
• 1.2 What are Printed Books?
• 2.1 From Print to Digital
• 2.2 Growth of eBooks
• 3.1 Price of eBooks
• 3.2 Price of Printed Books
• 4.1 Access to eBooks
• 4.2 Access to Printed Books
• 5.1 Reading eBooks
• 5.2 Reading Printed Books
• 6.1 Portability of eBooks
• 6.2 Storage of Printed Books
• 7.1 Impact of eBooks
• 7.2 Impact of Printed Books
• 8.1 Features of eBooks
• 8.2 Drawbacks of eBooks
• 8.3 Features of Printed Books
• 8.4 Drawbacks of Printed Books
• 9.1 Popularity of eBooks
• 9.2 Sales of Printed Books
• 10 Role in Education
• 11.1 eBook Publishing
• 11.2 Printed Book Publishing
• 12 Conclusion

Understanding eBooks and Printed Books

What are ebooks.

E-books are digital books that can be read on electronic devices such as e-readers, tablets, smartphones, and computers. EBooks are typically available in digital formats like PDF, EPUB, and MOBI. They can be purchased and downloaded online from various online retailers or borrowed from online libraries.

EBooks offer several advantages over printed books. One of the most significant advantages is portability. EBooks can be stored on a single device, making them easy to carry. They are also lightweight, which makes them ideal for people who travel frequently. Additionally, eBooks can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them convenient for people who don’t have access to physical libraries.

What are Printed Books?

Printed books, also known as physical books, are traditional books that are printed on paper and bound together. Printed books have been around for centuries and are still widely used today. Printed books are available in various sizes, formats, and bindings, including hardcover, paperback, and spiral-bound.

Printed books offer several advantages over eBooks. One of the most significant advantages is the tactile experience. Printed books have a physical presence that digital books cannot replicate. They have a distinct smell, texture, and weight that many people find appealing. Additionally, printed books do not require any electronic devices to read, making them accessible to people who do not have access to technology.

In summary, eBooks and printed books each have their advantages and disadvantages. EBooks are portable and convenient, while printed books offer a tactile experience that digital books cannot replicate. Ultimately, the choice between eBooks and printed books comes from personal preference.

The Evolution of Reading

From print to digital.

For centuries, books have been printed on paper and bound together to create a physical product that people could hold in their hands. This traditional format has been the primary way people have consumed books for centuries. However, digital reading has become increasingly popular with the advent of technology.

Introducing e-readers such as Kindle and other e-reader devices has revolutionized how people read. E-readers allow readers to download and store thousands of books on a single device, making it easier to carry around many books. They also come with font style and size flexibility, which is especially helpful for those with visual impairments.

Growth of eBooks

E-books have seen tremendous growth in recent years as more and more people have embraced digital reading. According to a study, the global paper books market will encompass around 1.87 billion readers by 2027, while e-reader users are expected to reach 1.2 billion. This suggests that e-books have the potential to complement the publishing industry instead of replacing it.

One of the advantages of e-books is that they tend to be significantly cheaper than print versions. Plus, many public domain books can be downloaded as e-books for free on sites like Project Gutenberg. E-books can be read on computers, smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, making them more versatile than print books.

While print books remain popular, the fast-paced modern world has increased the popularity of e-books. As technology evolves, it will be interesting to see how the reading experience evolves.

Comparing Costs

Price of ebooks.

One of the most significant advantages of eBooks is their lower cost than printed books. EBooks do not require printing, shipping, or storage costs, so they are significantly cheaper than their printed counterparts. Many public domain books can be downloaded as eBooks for free on sites like Project Gutenberg. Additionally, eBooks can be stored electronically and in the cloud to protect them from getting lost, stolen, or damaged.

However, it is essential to note that the price of eBooks can vary depending on various factors, including the publisher, author, and platform. Some eBooks may be more expensive than printed versions, particularly for new releases or bestsellers.

Price of Printed Books

On the other hand, printed books tend to be more expensive than eBooks due to the costs associated with printing, shipping, and storage. Additionally, the price of printed books can vary depending on the publisher, author, book format, and retailer. Hardcover books, for example, tend to be more expensive than paperbacks.

Moreover, printed books may not offer the same cost savings as eBooks, especially for avid readers who purchase many books. Buying and storing printed books can add up over time, making eBooks a more cost-effective option in the long run.

In conclusion, while eBooks tend to be cheaper than printed books, the price of eBooks can vary depending on various factors, and some printed books may offer better value than eBooks in certain situations. Ultimately, the decision between eBooks and printed books should be based on personal preferences, reading habits, and budget.

Accessibility and Availability

Access to ebooks.

One of the biggest advantages of eBooks is their accessibility. eBooks can be purchased and downloaded from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling readers to enjoy them from their homes. Additionally, eBooks can be read on various devices, including tablets, smartphones, and e-readers, making them a convenient choice for readers who are always on the go.

Another advantage of eBooks is that they are often cheaper than printed books. Many eBooks are available for free, especially those that are in the public domain. Websites like Project Gutenberg offer a vast collection of free eBooks that can be downloaded and read on any device.

Access to Printed Books

While eBooks are convenient, they are not the only option for readers. Printed books are still widely available and can be found in bookstores, libraries, and even online. While some books may be out of stock, readers can usually find what they want by checking with their local library or ordering the book online.

One advantage of printed books is that they do not require an internet connection to access. This means that readers can take their books wherever they go without worrying about battery life or internet connectivity. Additionally, printed books can be shared with others, making them a great option for book clubs or for readers who enjoy discussing books with friends and family.

In conclusion, both eBooks and printed books have advantages regarding accessibility and availability. While eBooks offer convenience and affordability, printed books offer a tangible reading experience and can be found in various locations. Ultimately, the choice between eBooks and printed books comes down to personal preference and the reader’s needs.

Reading Experience

Reading experience is a crucial aspect when it comes to deciding which one is better, between eBooks and printed books. Both have their pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at each.

Reading eBooks

Reading an eBook can be a different experience than reading a printed book. One of the major advantages of eBooks is that they are lightweight and portable. You can carry hundreds or even thousands of books in a single device. This makes it easy to read on the go or while traveling.

Another advantage of eBooks is that they offer interactive features such as highlighting, bookmarking, and dictionary lookup. You can easily highlight a word or a sentence and look up its definition without putting down the book. This can be especially helpful for people with dyslexia or struggling with reading.

However, reading eBooks can also cause eye strain due to the backlit screen. Taking breaks and adjusting the brightness and font size is important to avoid eye strain.

Reading Printed Books

Reading a printed book can be a more immersive experience than reading an eBook. The book’s physicality can make it easier to focus on the content and get lost in the story. The tactile experience of turning the pages and feeling the weight of the book can also be satisfying.

Additionally, printed books do not cause eye strain as eBooks do. The font size is fixed, which can be helpful for people with visual impairments. However, this can also disadvantage those who prefer larger font sizes.

One downside of printed books is that they do not offer interactive features like highlighting or dictionary lookup. This can make it more difficult to keep track of important information or look up unfamiliar words.

Overall, the reading experience can be different between eBooks and printed books. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for each reader.

Portability and Storage

Portability of ebooks.

One of the biggest advantages of eBooks over printed books is their portability. eBooks can be stored as digital files on smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. This makes it easy for readers to carry around an entire library of books without needing physical storage space. Users can access their eBooks from anywhere, as long as they have their device with them and an internet connection. This makes eBooks a great option for people who are always on the go and don’t want to carry around heavy books .

Storage of Printed Books

Printed books, on the other hand, require physical storage space. Hardcover books can take up a lot of space on bookshelves, and carrying them around can be cumbersome. While paperbacks are more portable, they can still take up a lot of space if you have a large collection. Additionally, printed books can be damaged by moisture, pests, and other environmental factors. This means that they require proper storage conditions to ensure their longevity.

Regarding storage, eBooks have a clear advantage over printed books. They don’t require physical storage space, and environmental factors can’t damage them. However, some readers may prefer the tactile experience of holding a physical book. Ultimately, the choice between eBooks and printed books will come from personal preference and individual needs.

Environmental Impact

Impact of ebooks.

Ebooks are often considered to have a lower environmental impact than printed books. According to a study by the Cleantech Group, the carbon footprint of an ebook is about 40-50% lower than that of a printed book. This is because ebooks do not require paper, ink, or transportation, which all contribute to printed books’ carbon footprint.

However, the production and use of electronic devices used to read ebooks, such as e-readers and tablets, also have an environmental impact. These devices require the mining and processing of metals and other materials, as well as the use of electricity. The production of these devices contributes to electronic waste, which can harm the environment if not disposed of properly.

Impact of Printed Books

Printed books also have an environmental impact, particularly in terms of the use of paper and ink. Paper production can lead to deforestation and habitat loss, while ink can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.

However, printed books can also be recycled, which can help reduce their environmental impact. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, paper recycling can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy.

Both ebooks and printed books have an environmental impact. The choice between the two depends on various factors, including personal preference, convenience, and environmental concerns. When deciding, it is important to consider the entire lifecycle of both options, including production, use, and disposal.

Additional Features and Drawbacks

Features of ebooks.

One of the most significant features of eBooks is their accessibility. eBook displays and font sizes can be adjusted to accommodate those with impaired sight. This enhances readability and accessibility for those with disabilities. eBooks also offer the ability to search for specific text, highlight, and take notes, making it easier to find and remember important information. Additionally, eBooks take up less physical space, making them ideal for those with limited storage space.

Drawbacks of eBooks

One of the most significant drawbacks of eBooks is the potential for glare and eye strain. Some eBook readers may glare in the sunlight, making reading hard in some settings. Additionally, eBooks require a device to read them, which can be a potential distraction. Some people may also find it difficult to concentrate on reading an eBook due to the potential for notifications and advertisements on their devices.

Features of Printed Books

Printed books offer a tactile experience that eBooks cannot replicate. A book’s weight, texture, and smell can enhance the reading experience for some people. Printed books do not require a reading device, which can reduce potential distractions. Printed books are also more shareable than eBooks, as they can be easily passed on to friends and family.

Drawbacks of Printed Books

One of the most significant drawbacks of printed books is their potential to take up a lot of physical space. This can be a problem for those with limited storage space. Printed books can also be damaged or lost, which can be a significant problem for those who value their books. Additionally, printed books cannot be easily searched for specific text, highlighted or annotated, making it harder to find and remember important information.

eBooks and printed books have unique features and drawbacks. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual needs.

Popularity and Sales

Popularity of ebooks.

According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center , the share of American adults who have read an eBook in the previous 12 months has increased from 17% in 2011 to 32% in 2023. The survey also revealed that younger adults (18 to 29-year-olds) are more likely to read eBooks than older adults. However, despite the growth in popularity of eBooks, a survey conducted in 2021 showed that 68% of younger readers (18 to 29-year-olds) in the United States still prefer printed books.

Sales of Printed Books

Despite the growth in popularity of eBooks, printed books continue to dominate the book market. In the United States, for example, 45% of the population bought a printed book last year, compared to only 23% who purchased an eBook. Furthermore, the revenue generated by printed books in the U.S. is still significantly higher than that of eBooks. In January 2023, eBook sales in the U.S. generated $85 million in revenue, while printed books generated $1.1 billion.

Publishers have also reported that printed books continue to outsell eBooks. In 2023, Penguin Random House reported that printed books accounted for 75% of its global revenue, while eBooks accounted for only 25%.

Notes and audiobooks are also popular formats for reading, with audiobooks experiencing significant growth in recent years. However, when comparing eBooks and printed books, printed books remain the more popular and profitable format.

While eBooks have grown in popularity in recent years, printed books dominate the book market in terms of sales and revenue. Younger readers may prefer eBooks, but printed books are still the preferred format for most readers.

Role in Education

Regarding education, the debate between eBooks and printed books is ongoing. Both formats have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on individual preferences and needs.

Studies have shown that students tend to concentrate, learn, or remember better with printed books than with digital texts. This is especially true for longer texts, such as textbooks, where print books are superior to eBooks for reading comprehension. However, eBooks have their advantages as well. They are more portable and can be accessed from anywhere, making them a convenient choice for students who are always on the go.

Textbooks are an essential part of education, and the format in which they are presented can significantly impact the learning experience. Printed textbooks provide a tangible and tactile experience that many students find helpful in retaining information. On the other hand, eBooks offer interactive features that can enhance the learning experience, such as embedded videos, animations, and quizzes.

Classics, or books that have stood the test of time are an important part of any education. Printed versions of these books provide a connection to the past and a sense of tradition. However, eBooks offer several advantages when it comes to classics. They are often more affordable and accessible, making them a great option for students who may not have access to a physical library.

Choosing between eBooks and printed books in education depends on individual preferences and needs. Both formats have advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to the individual to decide which is best for them.

Role in the Publishing Industry

Ebook publishing.

eBooks have revolutionized the publishing industry in many ways. They have made it easier for independent authors to publish their work without needing a traditional publishing house. This has led to a rise in self-publishing and the emergence of new authors who may not have been able to break into the industry before. Additionally, eBooks are relatively inexpensive to produce and distribute, which has made it easier for publishers to experiment with new authors and genres.

Amazon has been a major player in the eBook industry with their Kindle platform. They have made it easy for authors to self-publish and distribute their work while providing a platform for traditional publishers to sell their eBooks. The ease of use and accessibility of the Kindle has made it a popular choice for readers, which has further cemented Amazon’s position in the market.

Printed Book Publishing

Printed books have been the traditional format for publishing for centuries and continue to play an important role in the industry. While eBooks have made it easier for independent authors to publish their work, traditional publishers still play a vital role in producing and distributing printed books.

Power in the publishing industry is still largely concentrated in the hands of a few major publishers. These publishers have the resources to invest in marketing and distribution, which can make or break a book’s success. However, the rise of independent publishers and self-publishing has led to a more diverse range of published books, benefiting readers.

Marketing and distribution are key factors in the success of a printed book. Publishers must invest in advertising and promotion to ensure their books reach their target audience. This can be costly, so traditional publishers still hold a significant advantage over independent publishers.

Both eBooks and printed books play important roles in the publishing industry. While eBooks have made it easier for independent authors to publish their work, traditional publishers still have a significant advantage in marketing and distribution. The rise of self-publishing and independent publishers has led to a more diverse range of published books, benefiting readers.

The debate between eBooks and printed books is ongoing, and both formats have pros and cons eBooks are more portable, offer a wider range of customization options, and are often cheaper than printed books. On the other hand, printed books offer a tactile reading experience, are easier on the eyes, and are better for note-taking and cross-referencing.

According to a survey , 45% of people bought a printed book last year, while only 23% bought an eBook. This suggests that many readers still prefer printed books. However, the popularity of eBooks is on the rise, with devices like the Barnes & Noble Nook and Kobo offering readers a wide range of options.

Ultimately, the choice between eBooks and printed books comes from personal preference. Some readers may prefer the convenience of eBooks, while others may enjoy the feel and smell of a physical book. When deciding, it is important to consider factors such as portability, cost, and environmental impact.

Ultimately, whether someone prefers eBooks or printed books, the most important thing is continuing to read and enjoy the written word. See also What Is the Best Time to Read Books? Tips and Insights and The 16 Best Places To Read Books

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7 Benefits of E-Reading

Written by Melissa, staff member, Information Technology

Many people have just recently discovered the joy of e-reading. What better time than now to embrace a new way of accessing literature? Accessing our e-book collection is a fantastic way to meet your need to read. Here, we share several benefits of e-reading that apply now, and always.

So, what is an e-book, anyway?

An e-book is a lot like the books that you would find on our Library’s shelves, but in electronic format. E-books , opens a new window can be read on your phone, tablet, computer, or e-reader. Search for them in our catalogue , opens a new window , the same way you would regular books, or via specific tools in our E-Library , opens a new window .

We love all the formats that our Library offers—from books on CD, to large print books, and everything in between—but, e-books do offer some benefits over other formats.

E-Book benefits

1. save a trip to the library.

There’s no doubt that the Library is a wonderful place to visit, but you won’t have to go very far to borrow e-books. Once your e-book is available, you can download it at any hour of the day, any day of the year, all from the comfort of your own home.

2. Easy returns

If you often forget to return your books once you are done with them, e-books will make your life easier by automatically returning themselves at the end of your loan period.

3. Read anytime, anywhere

Read on the go and take your whole library with you! Whether it's on the bus, train, airplane, or even just to stand in line at the grocery store.

4. One device, many books

If you’re not sure which book to pack, e-books eliminate the need to choose one book over another. Carry around hundreds, or even thousands, of books on your mobile device, tablet, e-reader, or laptop.

5. A dictionary at your fingertips

With many e-books, you can use the built-in dictionary feature to define an unfamiliar word. On most devices, you can do this by pressing and holding the word you'd like to look up.

6. Search in seconds

With many e-books, you have the ability to search through an entire book in seconds. Easily pinpoint information using the search function, instead of turning page after page to find what you’re looking for.

7. Customize how you read

Adjust the text size to be as small or as large as you’d like. You’ll also have options to adjust other settings, such as margins, line spacing, font style, brightness, and much more.

Our collection is always growing

Halifax Public Libraries has e-book collections for all ages, and you’ll find every type of e-book you can imagine, from the classics to today’s bestsellers.

New to the Library? Welcome! Get a card and get started , opens a new window .

Kids will love TumbleBooks , opens a new window , and you’ll fall in love with Libby, by OverDrive and hoopla , opens a new window . If you’re looking for e-books in accessible formats, you may want to check out our CELA Collection , opens a new window .

Browse our e-book collections , opens a new window to get started. If you’re not sure how to get started with one of our E-Library resources, check out our tutorials on Niche Academy , opens a new window .

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What are the advantages of e-books?

Posted on May 6, 2019 at 4:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

If you’ve stayed true to print, now may be the time to discover the many advantages of e-books, including portability, affordability, availability, and more!

Table of Contents

The Advantages of E-Books & Why They’re on the Rise


Affordability 


Portability 


Availability 


Learning Opportunity


Environmental Impact


The Advantages of E-Books & Why They’re on the Rise

“Lovers of print are simply confusing the plate for the food.”

— Douglas Adams

There is (and will likely always be) a debate among readers regarding book format. 

Some readers are print purists, refusing to give up their paperbacks and hardcovers no matter how crowded their bookshelves may get.

Others are digital devotees, believing that the days of print have long since passed.  

And quite a few fall somewhere in the middle, seeing no reason to devote all of their time to one format over another.  

Though digital versions of our beloved print titles have actually been around for decades, it’s only in recent years that we’ve seen the real rise of e-books.

Hop on a bus, take a walk through the park, or visit a college library and you’ll undoubtedly see a number of people enjoying a digital title.

Well, because no matter what side you take in the great book format debate (if either), the advantages of e-books are too great in number and compelling in nature to ignore. 

With the introduction of e-books, people have been given a new medium through which to consume the written word. And isn’t that what really matters?

Given that e-books are our bread and butter here at The Fussy Librarian, we wanted to take the opportunity to highlight some of the many advantages of e-books — not to dissuade readers from reading in print, but to encourage them to read in digital as well. 

Affordability

Reading is a fantastic hobby that offers a wide variety of benefits, but if you’re not careful, it can turn into an expensive pastime — especially if you’re one who can’t help but buy new hardcovers from your favorite authors as soon as they become available…

However, one of the most noteworthy advantages of e-books is that they tend to be a little easier on your wallet than their print counterparts. 

Though e-readers may require a larger investment, it won’t take long for the money you save purchasing e-books to make up for it.

Plus, you don’t actually have to invest in an e-reader. Instead, you can turn your iPhone or iPad into an e-reader with the Kindle app . Or, you can simply use the Kindle Cloud Reader on your computer . 

No matter how you choose to consume your e-books (via e-reader, computer, smartphone, or tablet), you can find tons of great titles online for a reasonable price. Sometimes you can even get e-books from new or indie authors free!

Portability

Have you ever wanted to take a hardcover with you somewhere but had to settle for another title because you didn’t have enough space?

Have you ever found yourself with a sore back after carrying a bag full of books all day?   

You don’t have to worry about either of these scenarios when you have a digital copy saved on an easy-to-transport device. Portability is hands down one of the greatest advantages of e-books.

As long as you have an e-reader or mobile device, you can take along any title you desire! In fact, you’re only limited by your device’s storage space. 

Plus, e-books are not only a convenient option when it comes to saving space but also a practical option when it comes to saving yourself future back pain…

Availability

When a popular author releases a new book, it’s not uncommon for the title to sell out quickly. And if you’re unable to place your order fast enough, you may end up waiting weeks just to get your print copy. 

That’s another one of the advantages of e-books — they never go out of print.

In some cases, e-books may be temporarily unavailable until licenses can be renegotiated; however, most of the time you’re free to purchase and download the books you want whenever you want. 

No more waiting around for your local bookstore to replenish its stock — unless, of course, the title is so special that you need a print copy too…

Unless you have a magical room with a storage capacity rivaling that of Mary Poppins’ carpetbag, chances are there’s a limit to how many print copies you can keep at home…

With e-books, on the other hand, you can house thousands of titles on a single device.

No matter how large your collection grows, the amount of physical space it takes up remains the same!

Imagine being able to cut down on clutter and reduce the amount you spend on additional shelving. E-books allow you to do just that.

And the best part? Since lack of storage becomes a non-issue when you convert to e-books, that’s one less reason to talk yourself out of buying that title you’ve been eyeing…

Learning Opportunity

Let’s be clear — books in all formats provide readers with the chance to learn and grow . However, one of the advantages of e-books is that it’s often easier to do so.

With most e-reader programs, you have access to tools that allow you to underline sentences, highlight paragraphs, and add notes in comment boxes.

Though you can do the same thing manually with print copies, many readers don’t like marking up their paperbacks or hardcovers. 

E-books let you dissect the text you’re reading without making any permanent changes.

Further, the majority of e-readers have built-in dictionaries, so looking up unfamiliar words becomes a much simpler task. 

Environmental Impact

For eco-conscious readers, the fact that e-books are a somewhat “greener” option than their print counterparts is a great benefit. 

Unlike paperbacks and hardcovers, e-books are digital, which means no trees are cut down and processed into paper to make them. 

The more you purchase digital copies versus print copies, the less you’ll contribute to pollution resulting from the manufacturing and shipping of physical books.

Plus, the e-books you buy won’t eventually end up in a landfill (which, unfortunately, happens despite our best efforts to give books a second home or to recycle them). 

It’s true there are some things you miss when you switch to e-books — the feeling of turning a page, the scent of ink on paper, the joy of perusing a bookstore’s shelves… 

However, it’s safe to say that the many advantages of e-books tip the scales a bit.

If you’re not ready to commit to digital completely, that’s okay. After all, you’re not restricted to a single format!

But if you’ve never even tried to read an e-book before, there’s no better time than the present.   

Categories: Today in Books

Tagged As: E-reader , Reading

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The Case for Paper: Books vs. E-Readers

Why a good old-fashioned book is better for your mental health..

Posted February 2, 2024 | Reviewed by Monica Vilhauer

• Research suggests that comprehension is six to eight times better with physical books than e-readers.
• Physical books help readers absorb and recall content more effectively.
• Turning pages as we read creates an “index” in the brain, mapping what we read visually to a particular page.
• Research shows that, despite the prevalence of technology, most people still prefer print books to e-readers.

Screens are replacing paper when it comes to nearly every aspect of communication, but is it good for our mental health? Research proves the countless mental health benefits of reading , but still most people are choosing screen-time over picking up a book when it comes to entertainment.

Even in schools, gone are the days of buying those stretchy book covers for your heavy textbooks; digital modalities of learning are taking precedence, lightening backpacks but burdening young minds with the challenge of staying on-task in a sea of digital distractions. Reading short blurbs on social media as we scroll inhibits not only our attention span, making lengthy books more arduous for our dopamine -addicted brains to digest, but often waters down the language, using more informal, conversational-style writing that offers much less exposure to rich, brain-boosting vocabulary and concepts.

Research suggests that comprehension is six to eight times better with physical books than e-readers (Altamura, L., Vargas, C., & Salmerón, L., 2023). Though many people find they can read faster on a device, the distractions, like social media scrolling, advertisements, and email notifications, often hinder memory retention. Physical books provide an immersive experience, resulting in readers who absorb and recall the content more effectively.

Holding the weight of a book in your hand, turning the pages, and even highlighting your favorite passages are all experienced in the body. In fact, according to researchers, turning pages as we read creates an “index” in the brain, mapping what we read visually to a particular page, (Rothkopf, Ernst Z.,1971). This is part of what allows the brain to retain the information better when read from a physical book.

From the way you position your body when holding a book, to the way your head and eyes adjust to scan the pages as they turn, there are distinct differences in the way our bodies experience reading a good old-fashioned book. “Print books and the substrate of paper lend an obvious physicality to individual texts, while e-books are not tangible volumes and are differently touched, held, carried and navigated,” wrote Mangen, A., and van der Weel, A. in “The evolution of reading in the age of digitisation: an integrative framework for reading research,” (2016, p. 116–124). “The haptic feedback of a touch screen is different from a paper book, and the implications of such interactions warrant empirical investigations. Studies in experimental psychology and neuroscience show that object manipulation provides spatial information which is crucial for building coherent mental representations of the manipulated object.”

In addition to improving comprehension and providing an immersive, embodied experience, reading physical books offers a uniquely social experience that e-readers miss out on. Whether you’re perusing the shelves at the bookstore, coffee in hand, asking your local librarian for recommendations from their collection, or passing along your copy of a favorite book to a friend, interacting with fellow book lovers is one of the aspects of reading that people most enjoy. Downloading books onto your e-reader bypasses these opportunities for connection.

Perhaps what is most salient is the undeniably strong preference most people have for reading printed books. In one study, 92 percent of students reportedly preferred print books over e-books (Baron, N. S., 2015). There’s something special about holding a book in your hand, admiring the cover art, even appreciating the way your bookmark visually advances with time spent turning the pages.

Altamura, L., Vargas, C., & Salmerón, L. (2023). Do New Forms of Reading Pay Off? A Meta-Analysis on the Relationship Between Leisure Digital Reading Habits and Text Comprehension. Review of Educational Research, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543231216463

Baron, N. S. (2015). Words onscreen: The fate of reading in a digital world. Oxford University Press.

Mangen, A., and van der Weel, A. (2016) The evolution of reading in the age of digitisation: an integrative framework for reading research. Literacy, 50: 116–124. doi: 10.1111/lit.12086 .

Rothkopf, Ernst Z. (1971) Incidental memory for location of information in text. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior. Volume 10, Issue 6: Pages 608-613. ISSN 0022-5371, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5371(71)80066-X .

Heather Rose Artushin, LISW-CP, is a child and family therapist passionate about the power of reading.

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How Do E-Books Change the Reading Experience?

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By Mohsin Hamid and Anna Holmes

• Dec. 31, 2013

Each week in Bookends, two writers take on questions about the world of books. This week, Mohsin Hamid and Anna Holmes discuss how technology affects the way we read.

By Mohsin Hamid

In a world of intrusive technology, we must engage in a kind of struggle if we wish to sustain moments of solitude.

The advantages of e-books are clear. E-books are immediate. Sitting at home in Pakistan, I can read an intriguing review of a book, one not yet in stores here, and with the click of a button be reading that book in an instant. E-books are also incorporeal. While traveling, which I do frequently, I can bring along several volumes, weightless and indeed without volume, thereby enabling me to pack only a carry-on bag.

And yet the experience of reading e-books is not always satisfactory. Yes, it is possible to vary the size of the font, newly important to me at age 42, as I begin to perceive my eye muscles weakening. Yes, e-books can be read in the dark, self-illuminated, a reassuring feature when my wife is asleep and I am too lazy to leave our bed, or when electricity outages in Lahore have persisted for so long that our backup batteries are depleted. And yes, they offer more frequent indicators of progress, their click-forwards arriving at a rapidity that far exceeds that of paper-flipping, because pixelated screens tend to hold less data than printed pages and furthermore advance singly, not in two-sided pairs.

Nonetheless, often I prefer reading to e-reading. Or rather, given that the dominance of paper can no longer be assumed, p-reading to e-.

I think my reasons are related to the fact that I have disabled the browser on my mobile phone. I haven’t deleted it. Instead, I’ve used the restrictions feature in my phone’s operating system to hide the browser, requiring me to enter a code to expose and enable it. I can use the browser when I find it necessary to browse. But, for the most part, this setting serves as a reminder to question manufactured desires, to resist unless I have good cause.

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The Books Briefing: The Essential Qualities of a Book

The case for and against e-readers: Your weekly guide to the best in books

What is a book? Is it simply the text we read, whether on bound pages or on a screen? Or is it a tangible object, something held with human hands and made richer by the way we physically interact with it? These are questions that Atlantic writers have been considering for at least a decade, and they don’t have easy, definitive answers.

Recently, the Atlantic contributing writer Ian Bogost made the case that ebooks are an abomination, a technology that takes away from the pleasure of reading and erodes the “bookiness” of books. The definition of bookiness is dependent on how any one individual conceives of that idea, but Bogost makes a compelling argument that it isn’t wholly present in ebooks or e-readers. Other authors, however, have noted ebooks’ potential benefits: Both the professor Alan Jacobs and the journalist Megan McArdle believe that ebooks’ resources—their transferability, their ease of annotation, their searchability—can make reading much easier.

In her defense of ebooks, McArdle also points out that school-age kids, able to read assigned books on e-readers, will develop mental information maps that are navigated via keywords and search, rather than physical markers. This possible shift worries the high-school English teacher Abigail Walthausen, who thinks that the expansiveness and information overload of e-readers could be detrimental to students’ learning and focus.

Reading a physical book and reading an ebook will never be the same experience, but perhaps it’s helpful to remember that both can promote a love of literature in any form.

​ Every Friday in the Books Briefing , we thread together Atlantic stories on books that share similar ideas. Know other book lovers who might like this guide? Forward them this email. When you buy a book using a link in this newsletter, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic.

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Books vs. e-books: The science behind the best way to read

By Amy Kraft

December 14, 2015 / 6:00 AM EST / CBS News

While browsing the bookstore to buy a gift for that special someone (or yourself), you may be faced with a tough decision: e-books or the old-fashioned kind? Each one has its pros and cons, and choosing the best option depends on a number of factors.

Some of the practical advantages of going digital are obvious: A portable little e-reader can carry an entire library wherever you go, which is great for travelers or those who always want a choice of reading material.

On the other hand, research has been stacking up to show that reading on paper has a number of benefits, too. Plus, there's the nostalgia factor .

"First and foremost, consider the person and their lifelong preferences," Dr. Matthew H. Schneps, director of the Laboratory for Visual Learning, a collaboration between the University of Massachusetts Boston and MIT, told CBS News in an email. "Some people absolutely love the look, smell, and feel of the classical book held in the hand, and such people may not want to give up the sensory experience of reading from a paper book. If the recipient of your gift is someone who is adventurous when it comes to gadgets, but otherwise doesn't read much using traditional books, giving the gift of an e-reader can be a life-changing experience for them."

Here's a look at some of the science to consider before you spring for a Kindle, a Nook or a stack of new hardcovers.

Young, reluctant readers prefer e-readers

A 2014 study published in the journal Library & Information Science Research found that out of 143 10th grade students, most preferred e-readers . Boys and those who did not care much for reading also shared a strong preference for e-readers.

"An e-reader has more in common with the electronic devices that young people use all the time, like smartphones or iPads, than a paper book, when it comes to turning of pages, the possibilities of adjusting font size, etc.," lead author of the study, Åse Kristine Tveit, told CBS News in an email.

Reading on paper may boost retention

Several small studies suggest that reading on paper instead of an electronic screen is better for memory retention and focus. The Guardian reported on an experiment from Norway where people were given a short story to read either on a Kindle or in a paperback book; when they were quizzed later, those who read the paperback were more likely to remember plot points in the right order.

"When you read on paper you can sense with your fingers a pile of pages on the left growing, and shrinking on the right," the lead researcher, Anne Mangen, of Norway's Stavanger University, told the Guardian. "You have the tactile sense of progress ... Perhaps this somehow aids the reader, providing more fixity and solidity to the reader's sense of unfolding and progress of the text, and hence the story."

Paper suits readers with sleep problems and eye strain

High levels of screen luminance from an electronic device can contribute to visual fatigue, a condition marked by tired, itching, burning eyes.

There are also potential considerations for those reading e-books on light-emitting e-readers at night (although a number of e-readers do not use light-emitting screens), Dr. Margaret K. Merga, a reading and education specialist in Australia, told CBS News in an email. "Artificial light exposure from light-emitting e-readers may interfere with users' ability to sleep , ultimately leading to adverse impacts on health."

A 2014 study published in the journal PNAS found that reading an e-book before bedtime decreased the production of melatonin, a hormone that preps the body for sleep. E-books also impaired alertness the following day.

E-books help the visually impaired

Individuals with poor eyesight or reading disorders like dyslexia can benefit more from e-books because they provide a range of options for changing the text size and spacing of lines. A 2013 study in the journal PLOS One observed reading comprehension and speed in 103 high school students with dyslexia. The study found that people with dyslexia read more effectively, and with greater ease, when using the e-reader compared with reading on paper.

Schneps, who was the lead author on the paper, said, "What made the difference was the ability of the device to display lines of text that were extremely short (about two or three words per line), as well as its ability to space out the text. When these people read using the modified formatting, their reading instantly improved."

His team has a website where people can preview the effects of some of these features before making a purchase. Try out the interactive tips at readeasy.labvislearn.org .

A fondness for books

Many book-lovers still prefer the traditional option and value the tactile sensation of a bound paper book. "Paper books are, as a rule, very well designed, they look and smell good, and they carry with them a more human touch," Tveit said.

In Merga's experience with students in Australia, avid readers also tend to prefer reading on paper. While conducting the West Australian Study in Adolescent Book Reading (WASABR), Merga and colleagues found that students preferred reading paper books. "One student described this attitude as a preference to 'own something (rather) than just use it,'" Merga said.

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Ebooks pros and cons - Electronic book vs paper book: which is better?

Source: Image by G_marius.

Have e-readers changed the way you read? We discuss the pros and cons of ebooks. Vote and tell us whether you prefer electronic or traditional paper books.

eBooks vs Paper books

On netivist we love books and we like to discuss them, for instance we are debating the best British crime novelist ,  American writer , and literary fantasy world . Now we turn our attention to the format we prefer to read.

Electronic books (e-books or ebooks) have revolutionized the publishing industry. The success of e-readers such as the Sony Reader, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Amazon Kindle contributed to stimulating the popularity of ebooks. Later, tablets and smart phones have also contributed to this growing trend. eBooks have many advantages over paper books but many people still prefer to read traditional paper books.

However, the origin of the ebook can be traced back to 1930, when Bob Brown, an American writer and businessman, wrote The Redies , a manifesto in which he described:

 "a simple machine which I can carry or move around, attach to any old electric light plug and read hundred-thousand-word novel in 10 minutes if I want to..."

The machine included miniaturized text on a ribbon and a magnifying glass. Its speed was supposed to be controlled by the reader.

In a Spanish teacher, Angela Ruiz Robles, patented the first electronic book reader, called Enciclopedia Mecanica , the idea being to reduce the number of books children had to carry to school. Later, the Italian Jesuit Roberto Busa compiled from 1949 to 1970 an annotated electronic index of Thomas Aquinas' works, which was first stored in a computer and then in a CD-ROM. From the early 1960s Doug Engelbart (Stanford Research Institute) and Andries van Dam (Brown University) develop electronic reading systems which included hyperlinks, indexes and graphics. However, it is Michael S. Hart, who is widely considered as the inventor of the modern ebook His Project Gutenberg launched in 1971, aimed at making ebooks available via the Internet.

Today, the ebook has grown so much that although print books generate more revenues than ebooks, some estimates indicate that in terms of units sold, the ebook may already be ahead of the paper book in the USA. But which of the two formats is superior? Is this just a fad or the ebook will end up completely replacing the paper book?

eBooks pros and cons

eBooks pros:

• Cost effective. Ebooks are cheaper and faster to produce than printed books.
• eBooks are cheaper for users because the cost of producing and distributing additional copies is negligible.
• Thanks to the ebook many new authors can see their works reach the market. Publishing companies were a great barrier many authors never managed to overcome.
• eBooks are environmentally friendly : there is no need to cut down trees.
• Technological advances are making e-readers increasingly cheaper and more comfortable to use. Electronic books allow searches and may help you find parts of the text you are looking for.
• They can be shared with people far away instantly and the owner does doesn't have the risk of losing her copy of the book.
• In a single device you can carry hundreds of books. You can have an entire library with you at all times.
• You save lot of space home.

Cons of eBooks:

• A disadvantage of ebooks it that it is very easy and cheap to copy them illegally. Therefore copyright problems have greatly increased since the advent of the electronic book.
• There are problems with formats due to Digital Rights Management (DRM) issues. When you buy a book for the Amazon Kindle, the book may not be read on your Nook or Sony reader. You may end up tied to a company once you start building your electronic library.
• Computers, tablets and e-readers do not provide the same sensorial experience as with a traditional book. The text on a screen has a different feeling to your eye. The touch of the paper, and even the smell of the book is lost in the case of the electronic book.
• A more traditional engagement with books can very positive for the education of children. Writing on a book and passing the pages back and forth is good for their development.
• Printed books are beautiful and a book shelf is a very nice complement for any room in a house.
• As ebooks are easy and cheap to produce, many authors do not use now the services of professional editors, which would have otherwise, contributed very positively to the overall quality of the work.
• The introduction of the ebook and the problems of "piracy" have created problems from the publishing industry and caused the loss of many jobs.

Watch these videos on the virtues and limitations of ebooks

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The Pros and Cons of eBooks

ebooks have changed the way information is created, disseminated, and viewed. But what are the drawbacks?

As technology develops nothing remains untouched, and paper is no exception. The eBook is now well established, its downloadable files including everything typically found in the printed formats, including numbered pages, tables of contents, pictures, graphics and layout just like any other book. If you own any of the best tablets , you have a wealth of eBooks at your fingertips.

The advantages of eBook downloads are many, but there are disadvantages as well. Below are a few pros and cons to consider if you're still on the fence about jumping into the eBook revolution. And if you'd rather have books read to you, rather than read at all, we have a guide to the best audiobook services too.

The Advantages

• One of the biggest advantages of ebooks is the fact that they require no trees to create them. This is obviously an eco-friendly option that both reduces cost and lowers environmental impact.
• Information can be obtained without leaving your desk! Need to do some last-minute research on a particular topic? Simply find a great ebook store, search for your keywords or phrases, purchase the book and you’re set!
• Unlike paper books and materials, digital books only require one device to carry around with you. This means you can carry a library of various book genres for every mood.
• eBooks can lower the cost of enjoying your favorite titles. With no shipping and handling costs, eBooks typically have prices that are 50-60% lower than their print counterparts.
• eBooks are more flexible than paper books. For those who have trouble reading the typical book-sized font, ebook readers can enlarge the font size to make reading more pleasurable and easier on the eyes.
• eBooks can contain multi-media elements not available with traditional books. Audio and video can be embedded to make reading a fully immersive experience.
• Ever wonder where that great passage in your favorite book went to? With ebooks you can mark passages, save pages and search text before, during or after you read.

With all these advantages it is difficult to imagine what the disadvantages are, but there are some that have many folks concerned. If you're already sold, we've listed the cheapest prices for the Amazon Kindle below.

The other huge plus about eBooks is... you can actually create and publish your own. Even if you don't become a famous author, you can at least share eBooks among your friends, family, and any social media followers you may have. Check out our guide to the best eBook creators if you want to know more.

The Disadvantages

• Piracy is the number one concern for both publishers and authors. While traditional books can be copied with machines, the time and cost of doing so typically keeps this type of piracy at bay. With ebooks, however, 'sharing' books that have not been purchased with others is as easy as posting a file online or, in some cases, copying and pasting the text from one document to another.
• Many people still prefer being able to hold a traditional book in their hands. For those of us who enjoy reading a book in bed before signing off for the night, a cold hard digital device just won’t be the same.
• While one advantage of ebook devices is their ability to enlarge fonts for easier reading, the fact is you are still reading off an LCD screen. Some readers have matte e-ink screens, but others give off a glare that can not only make reading inconvenient if the lighting isn’t just right, but may actually cause eye strain and make it more difficult to focus while reading.
• With the wide variety of formats and ereader devices on the market, choosing which device is the right one for all situations can be nearly impossible. Though compatible formats have been introduced that should allow most readers to view purchases, many of these still lack proper formatting. Without proper page layouts and spacing reading becomes more of a tedious chore than an enjoyable pastime. With traditional books one simply buys and reads!
• When is the last time you had to plug your paper book into the wall outlet? How disappointing would it be to find yourself right in the middle of a steamy romance scene while traveling only to have the batteries in your reading device die, with no way to charge them?
• Currently, ebooks have an unreliable life span. Paper books last for decades provided they are well cared for. And besides, what good is a bookshelf if you cannot enjoy the look and smell of all your time-worn books, lovingly thumbed, crimped and read cover to cover, over and over again?

While some may find the transition from paper books to ebooks an impossibility, many have already embraced the technology as the status quo. Young people especially are finding eBook options as appealing and convenient. For those who find the advantages of ebooks more appealing than the 'old way' of reading there are several ebook stores reviewed on this site, such as Amazon Kindle Store and more, that can help users find the best bargains and options.

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Ian has been a journalist for 20 years. He's written for magazines and websites on subjects such as video games, technology, PC hardware, popular (and unpopular) science, gardening and astronomy. In his spare time he has a pet tortoise and grows his own vegetables. He also has a passion for cameras and photography, and has written for TTR on these subjects.

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Improving Sentences: E-books and paper books

Improve your academic writing skills for IELTS writing task 2.

In recent years, more and more people are choosing to read e-books rather than paper books. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

The statements below are taken from a student’s essay and contain some mistakes. Can you re-write these sentences so that they are not only correct but also higher band score?

• In my point of view, reading digital books have more advantages compared with printed books.
• First and foremost, E-book is been accessed, nowadays, easily by the people in a fraction of seconds through the advanced modern communication technologies.
• Secondly, buying an electronic version books are easier than the printed paper books.
• On the other hand, People health will affect when they spend more time to read books by using the modern gadgets such as laptop, mobile phones and tablets.
• In conclusion, in my view, electronic version books bring more pleasure and easily to access.
• In my opinion, reading digital books has more advantages compared to printed books. (“reading digital books” is the subject and it is actually singular so the verb must be “has” not “have”)
• First and foremost, e-books can be easily accessed by people in only a fraction of a second through the use of advanced modern technology. ( The phrase “a fraction of a second” can’t be plural and must be written as it is. It’s a nice phrase to use and can be used for academic writing – just make sure you write it correctly)
• Secondly, buying electronic books online is easier for the consumer than purchasing printed paper books.
• On the other hand, spending too much time reading e-books on bright screens from gadgets such as laptops or tablets, can have an adverse effect on people’s health.
• In conclusion, I think that e-books are more accessible to both read and buy for the consumer than conventional paper books.

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E-books have become increasingly popular as reading options over physical books. I believe that the benefits of this trend far overshadow the drawbacks.

One of the main disadvantages of reading digital books could be the harm it causes to human eyes. Staring at the screen when reading e-books for a prolonged period may cause strain on the eyes, whereas one can enjoy reading paper books as long as they wish with the proper lighting. Furthermore, eBooks may not always be accessible; readers sometimes struggle to find some old or scientific books in a digital format, as they are often available in a physical format in libraries. In addition, another drawback of e-books may be that they lack the tactile and sensory experience of a physical book. Most people find it joyful to experience the feeling of turning the pages, smelling the ink, and the overall authenticity of traditional books.

However, there are plenty of convincing reasons for digital books to become more popular and advantageous. Firstly, the mobility of eBooks is one of the main factors contributing to their popularity. Digital books are portable and lighter than printed books, and a single device may accommodate a whole library with thousands of them. Secondly, e-books are often remarkably cheaper than their physical counterparts, making them affordable for many readers. Moreover, it requires the cutting of a huge number of trees in order to produce paper and print physical books, which, as a result, harms the environment. In contrast, digital books do not require any paper, ink, or energy, making them more environmentally friendly than conventional books.

To conclude, despite having some minor disadvantages, I believe the benefits of e-reading outweigh the drawbacks. Electronic books are convenient, accessible, and affordable, making them a substantially popular choice among readers.

This website is really helpful for ielts. I have learnt many things from this website. Thanks a lot madam for your kind cooperation and help.

Is it important to follow the (task 2)structure,introduction like….paraphrase,thesis,outline. Body paragraph 1 ●topic sentence ●reason ●example ●effect Same as second body paragraph. Actually i am baffled about this structure because I do not understand how I write in example. Please tell me, how I can do😕

No. You should not be fixing a structure like that. It is completely inflexible and not suitable for all essays. The content of your body paragraphs depends on the ideas you use. The body paragraphs are simply – main idea followed by explanation in whatever form suits the idea. See my model essays and see the flexible range of developing ideas: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hello, Liz! This is my first time to take IELTS. Could you please tell me that – In Writing task2 essay conclusion part, can we write “By considering both sides of the views, i would like to conclude that” following by my opinion. Can we write like that in discussion types of essays?

Don’t memorise long chunks of language!! Memorise linking words, but not 13 words in a row. IELTS do not accept memorised language and you are not given a higher mark for it.

Hey Liz I bought your lesson on Advantage Disadvantage essay and learnt the intricacies thoroughly. However, i still have a doubt. The above question talks about e-books and then mentions paper books in the statement. So do i have to follow the same order while writing the essay or can i alter it? In your lesson on the same topic, when you discuss about the essay on ‘advantages outweigh disadvantages’ you have followed the same logical order as mentioned in topic question (topic about children doing paid work) can i talk about paper book first(admittedly, there are some basic benefits of using paper books…) and then mention e-books (nevertheless, despite the advantages..)? Is it alright to change the order?

Always have a logical structure. The order in your introduction will be the order in your essay. Also use clear signposts in your essay so the reader knows immediately which paragraph is about which issue. The examiner is testing logical organisation and clear linking.

hi liz, should i write the advantages or disadvantages ? thank you .

You need to explain which one is more important that the other.

Hello,Liz! This is my first time to take ielts..could you please have a look at my essay and give me your feedback 🙂

Nowadays, a majority of people choose to rely on electronic gadgets to read rather than traditional books.Despite of the daggers drawn as a results of e-books, it has numerous merits.

First of all, it is preferable to choose e-books as they are convenient and extremely portable. For instance,instead of packing a bunch of books to keep your self entertained while you are on a holiday, you can carry a pocket-size device where you can store multiple books of different genres.Apart from its convenience, it is possible to magnify and adjust the font and size of the words according to the reader’s preference and therefore, it makes it enjoyable to read.This is also a blessing to people who has eye-related problems. Moreover, probably many people spend most of their money on buying new books. It is affordable to buy a laptop or an ipad instead of wasting your money on printed counterparts.

However, on the other hand, it is perceived that e-books possess numerous negative impacts. People tend to spend innumerable hours glued to the device to read a story. This possibly has myriads detrimental health hazards. For example, radiations can destroy your nerve cells,not only this but excessive use of electronic devices damages your eyes as well.

In conclusion, too much of anything ruins it. E-books receives many tremendous benefits to people.So, to avoid missing any of them and protect yourself from their harms, it is advisable to limit the number of reading hours.

https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-essay-correction/

In “advantages outweigh disadvantages” essays, if we are taking side of “advantages”, do we need to mention disadvantages?im bit confused about tgis type of essays

“Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” This means if you agree the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, you need to show that the advantages are more important and the disadvantages are less important. As you see, you tackle both but lean clearly to one side more than the other side. This means you don’t choose one side and ignore the other – you tackle both but with a very clear position of each.

Thank you so much, it really helped and I will keep practicing until I get it better. Thank you again for your help and for all your dedication.

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Benefits and Helpful Features of Ebooks

Authored by.

Hollie Moots , DNP, RN, CNE, CHSE

Reading nursing texts can be a challenge across all courses or grade levels, but an essential part of becoming a great nurse. Although texts can be daunting for students, there are ways for faculty to help students get the most out of their reading. Eooks provide opportunities for faculty to help students read with intention and be better learners. Here are some ways that ebooks can help students and faculty:

• Convenient: not only do ebooks remove the burden of lugging books back and forth to classes, but they’re more accessible. Most ebooks are available in one place through the platform they’re on and some are even mobile-friendly.
• Cost effective: most ebooks are at a lower price than print books and where an Inclusive Access program is available on campus, content can be made available to students on the first day of class at market competitive pricing.
• Authentic: When students start their careers as nurses, they will see digital resources used in practice. Incorporating digital products into the classroom through ebooks is practical now and in their future.
• Highlights: With added tools in ebooks, faculty can highlight important content in an assigned reading and share with students and students can share highlights with one another as well. Highlights can be differentiated using different color highlights. For example, there can be a color to highlight key information, and another color can be added for questions.

NGN TIP: Include a case study in pre-class reading. Have students highlight cues and come to class ready to analyze them and discuss care.

• Notes: Students can take notes as they read and keep track of questions as they go. Students can then bring those to class for clarification/discussion. Faculty can also leave notes for students within the reading to draw attention to an important figure or table or ask questions to encourage students to think deeper about the content. Links to pertinent videos or articles can add depth of understanding to content.
• Flashcards: Students can easily make flashcards for key terminology and content to make studying easier directly from the text they’re using for their class. This makes studying easier and direct.
• Text to speech: Students can choose to listen to the assigned reading – perfect use of time during a commute going from class to class. This feature is also beneficial for students for whom English is not the primary language.

For resources and advice on teaching remotely,  click here .

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Podcast: bridging the readiness gap in nursing education, southern university at new orleans launches bsn program with elsevier 360, podcast: responsible generative ai: navigating the future of education.

Library Policy and Advocacy Blog

An informal forum for sharing ideas about the key policy and advocacy challenges and opportunities for libraries around the world, ebooks vs physical books: the importance of choice.

Sales figures are regularly analysed for the relative trends. Partisans of physical books cite numbers from the big publishers, which tend to show increased sales of hardcopies making up for a fall in eBook sales.

Amazon’s tax practices, and recent stories about fake eBooks on the site potentially being used for money laundering have provided further ammunition for those who seek to paint eBooks as a ‘bad thing’. Others point out that once independent eBook publishing (much of which runs through Amazon) is included, the eBook market looks a lot healthier (see also this Quartz piece ).

A recent study (paywalled) from the University of Arizona, based on focus group studies, provides interesting insights looks at user experiences and attitudes towards eBooks, aiming to establish at the micro level (rather than the macro, whole-of-market level) what may underpin consumers’ behaviour.

To Have and Not to Hold?

A key finding from the article concerns the difference in people’s feelings about owning digital and physical books, or rather that there is a much stronger sense of ownership of physical objects. It underlines that reading an eBook feels more like ‘renting’ than buying, more like a service than a good.

For the respondents, much of this was linked to subjective responses. Holding an object in your hands does create a greater sense of connection, and the study makes a lot of the touch, feel and smell of a physical book. The importance of memories of children’s books, for example, also plays a role.

But it also cites legal issues. Of course it is true that digital works are services, which are licenced rather than bought. Increasingly, works are held on third-party servers, and readers’ devices hold no more than a temporary copy. Digital materials are licenced, rather than bought.

Yet the fact that contracts and technological measures affect what users can do is also at the fore, with the impossibility to lend, give or sell books to friends and others meaning that eBooks feel less valuable. Certainly for libraries, the tough (and often confusing) restrictions around eLending consume considerable time and effort.

There is nothing subjective about this – it is something decided by publishers of eBooks (be they an independent writer working through Amazon or a traditional bookseller). And so it is something that can be changed.

Competitor or Complement?

The article suggests that there are two ways forwards for eBook publishers – either to accept that eBooks are different, and to make more of the possibilities offered by digital (i.e. multimedia), or to try and make eBooks more like physical books.

In a ( controversial ) interview on the subject, Hachette CEO Arnaud Nourry described eBooks as a ‘stupid format’, and effectively argues for the first option – bringing eBooks closer to other multimedia experiences. This may well provide a response to the ‘attention wars’ which seem to be pitching different forms of entertainment against each other – who gets the biggest share of people’s free time?

As for the second option, the study suggests further physical adaptations of e-readers, or the possibility to scribble notes in the margin as changes that could help. What the study doesn’t mention (at least in the available press materials) is that maybe more could done at least to tackle the legal constraints on eBooks, not least in order to make it easier for libraries to lend books.

Of course it doesn’t necessarily need to be a binary choice.

As the study shows, current eBook formats do seem to work for people who simply need the basic functionality of the digital product (lighter, compatibility with DAISY readers, possibility to magnify text), and do not necessarily need or want multimedia.

Moreover, they also have proved valuable for non-traditional publishers. A shift to ‘richer’ formats may imply greater costs, which would reverse the trend towards reducing the costs of such independent/self-publishing, harming diversity. Clearly improving licence terms would make this access easier, and potentially more valuable to buyers.

It is also the case that people’s preferences will vary according to their personal situations, what they are reading, the time of day, and other factors. Given libraries’ focus on best responding to readers’ needs, being able to lend books in whatever format works best for readers, in all their diversity, is the key.

For libraries, therefore, the idea of a competition between eBooks and physical books is perhaps unhelpful. Choices as to formats should be made by readers, not by libraries or suppliers as far as possible. Libraries and suppliers, together, can do best by readers by making this choice as real and easy as possible.

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Physical Books vs. Ebooks: Why You Should Still Read Both

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Usually, the discussion around physical books and ebooks is based on which one is better than the other. And therefore, which one you should commit to going forward. However, there are numerous benefits to using both formats to get the most out of your reading experience.

So, here's the case for physical books, the case for ebooks, and the reasons why you should be using both.

Physical Books...

Can Provide a More Immersive and Engaging Experience

Physical books are well... physical. No prizes for guessing that but what this means is that they have the ability to give you a more immersive experience through the use of engaging multiple senses.

You're feeling the pages as you turn them, and hearing the crinkle as they move. You're not only seeing the words on the page but you're also seeing how the book is presented in general. If there's any interesting covers or illustrations as well as any font and style choices. If the book you're reading is new then you're smelling that oh-so-satisfying "new book" smell.

These things, however big or small, all add up and activate different parts of your brain, keeping you that much more engaged in your reading experience.

Come In All Shapes and Sizes

A wonderful benefit to physical books is just how much variety there can be in how they're presented.

From paperbacks to hardcovers, leatherbound and clothbound books, unique illustrations to picturesque children's editions, the list is expansive. Whether reading by yourself or to someone else, holding the right book in your hands creates an incredibly memorable experience, as such being huddled around a fireplace reading a story to your children as they're drawn to the accompanying illustrations.

Finding a beautifully bound book can create an extremely powerful first impression, especially when buying a book you're excited about; that feeling of having a finely—crafted edition of your favourite book adds that extra layer of meaning and connection.

Provide a Disconnect From the Digital World

Technology is already greatly integrated into our lives, for better or worse, and that isn't going to change anytime soon. Despite a world of benefits, innovations, and constantly improving products, sometimes it can all get too much.

In this sense, physical books provide a wonderful disconnect from the digital world, keeping you in the moment, free of distractions. Whether at work or leisure, if you find yourself with screen fatigue, constantly distracted by your phone, tablet, or computer, picking up and reading a physical book can be wonderfully refreshing.

Present Physical Problems

Despite their positives, there are challenges that come with using physical books. Namely, their two biggest problems are capacity and wear-and-tear.

If you're travelling and have limited space, taking a selection of books with you may be impractical and you'd have to take into account factors such as size, shape, and value.

Despite their sentimental quality, physical books that have been damaged or worn down too much will compromise your reading experience. Ripped pages or pages falling out, loose binding, and fading text are just a few problems that physical books present.

Give You Instant Access to Millions of Books

An incredible benefit to reading ebooks is just how available they are. For example, the largest ebook store right now,  Amazon's Kindle Store , gives you access to millions of ebooks which you can read instantly after purchasing. No travelling to a book store or waiting for a delivery to arrive.

In addition to the Kindle Store, there are plenty of other ebook stores worth using , meaning that searching for a new, exciting book has never been so easy and accessible.

This makes the process of searching for a book you want, purchasing it, and getting to reading it the quickest it's ever been, giving you more time to do what you love to do... read.

Can Be Read Anywhere, Anytime

Ereaders are designed to be read anytime, anywhere. They're incredibly portable, perfect for taking on your travels and for both short and long commutes. Their storage allows you to take thousands of books with you wherever you go.

Devices such as the Amazon Kindle come with an anti-glare front light with adjusting brightness, which means that you can read in both direct sunlight and complete darkness with the screen always being easy on your eyes.

Related: Why You Should Buy a Kindle (Even If You Love Real Books)

Sticking with the Kindle, there are a range of accessibility options, including adjustable font type, size, and boldness, page margins, and line spacing. As well as the overall orientation. This is especially useful if you have reading preferences or any reading disabilities, such as dyslexia.

Are More Cost-Effective in the Long Run

The upfront cost of getting an ereader can seem a bit daunting. However, the reduced price of ebooks compared to new paperbacks and hardcovers and the numerous sales and discounts make this a worthwhile investment as time goes on. If you're eager to try out lots of new books, purchasing them as ebooks will be more cost-effective.

Related: The Best Free Ebook Download Sites

Lack a Personal Touch

There are a range of amazing features that come with using ebooks but there are also a few downsides.

It can sometimes be tricky to adjust to ereaders. Simply put, it's a different format of reading. If you're used to reading lots of physical books, it might feel strange for the text to disappear and reappear as opposed to turning the page or not feeling the weight of a book in your hand.

For some, this can show a lack of character and tone that physical books can bring, leaving ebooks feeling a little "sterile". For others, this isn't a problem and, after a few minutes, you could find yourself perfectly adjusted to reading ebooks.

Having your entire library in your hand can be surreal in both a good way and a bad way. You could love the convenience and efficiency of this or find it seriously overwhelming.

Physical Books vs. Ebooks: Read Both!

Physical books and ebooks both have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. But instead of picking one over the other, they should be seen as complementary to each other. One's weaknesses are often the other's strengths and vice versa.

Using both can enrich your time spent reading and contribute to giving you the best, most engaging reading experience.

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Top 10 Advantages of eBooks Over Printed Books (2024)

Printed books vs digital books is an age-old debate. There are and will be people who support printed books as well as electronic books or eBooks. With the rising number of tech-savvy people, every service provider is digitizing their services so as to cater to this large community of digital users.

Publishing is also one such industry which has entered the digital era to make reading more convenient for people.

Schools and corporate organizations are increasingly moving towards eBooks for training purposes because eBooks are better equipped to provide an engaging learning and reading experience to users.

Also read: 10 most effective ways to deliver corporate training

Digital publishing has been looming large over print versions since quite some time now. But print publishers are still standing strong despite the onslaught of digital devices and their seemingly growing popularity.

If you compare the two, you would find that although printed hardcover books are much loved for their authenticity and the feel of holding an actual book, eBooks are more functional and fare far better in terms of ease of carrying. Let us see some of the advantages that eBooks have over the traditional printed books.

Top 10 Advantages of eBooks over Printed Books -

• One Device, Many Books
• Accessible Everywhere
• Easy Updates
• Shareable Content
• Augmented Reality Experience
• Easy on the eyes
• Read Aloud Feature
• Interactive Elements
• Environment Friendly Option
• Affordable in the long run

1. One Device, Many Books:

eBooks are portable and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. Instead of carrying multiple bulky books, one eBook reader can hold thousands of eBooks. It saves a lot of space- in your home and in your bag. One doesn’t have to worry about the storage limit.

Also read –  9 Best Cross-Platform eBook Readers

A single device is enough to read any number of books you want. Students benefit the most out of it as they do not have to carry a bag full of books every day. It allows the user to store plenty of books on the device, way more than anyone can read in their lifetime.

2. Accessible Everywhere:

eBooks can be downloaded and stored for later use. One can carry the eBook around and read them whenever they want. Students and employees can go through the learning material while at home and even while travelling. It is convenient for people on the go. Some eReaders come with the option of offline accessibility, allowing people to use it even in the absence of an internet connection.

Unlike printed books which have to be ordered or purchased from the bookstore, with time lost in waiting for delivery or travelling to the bookstore; readers can easily access any eBook anytime and anywhere.

How to Build an eBook Store

3. easy updates:.

The contents on the eBooks are mostly cloud-based, meaning it can be updated any time. Authors and publishers can always add the up-to-date information, providing users with the latest digital content . This saves reprinting costs and the time involved in the process.

4. Shareable Content:

You can share the eBook contents with multiple users . The social feature on the ebook allows sharing and liking of content, which is not possible with printed books.

You might share a printed book with one person at a time, but an eBook can be shared with many people at once. Students and employees can use this feature to collaborate with their peers.

5. Augmented Reality Experience:

Augmented reality has taken the eBook experience to a whole new level. Texts and images can now be embedded with an augmented three-dimensional visual which pops up on the user’s screen. Readers can view a computer-generated 3D model of the image, which makes reading and learning a much more immersive experience.

The user only has to point the device at the image or text, and an enhanced version of the image will be displayed on their screen.

Many educational institutes and organizations are adopting this technology into their eBooks to enhance user experience.

Also read: How augmented reality can transform the classroom?

6. Easy on the Eyes:

eReaders these days come with features where you can adjust the brightness of the screen according to the time of the day and depending upon your preferences.

Many eReaders even have read in the dark feature, with lights that won’t strain your eyes, and neither would they disturb others around you. Users can even change the fonts of the text. They can increase or decrease the size of the font. Basically, eBooks ensure that your eyes are taken care of.

7. Read Aloud Feature:

eBooks have been designed with text to speech or read aloud features . This allows people to listen to the eBooks if they are too busy to read it, for example, while driving, or while doing some chores.

This feature is also helpful for children and adults with a learning disability or with visual impairment. It is also useful to help the user understand how a particular word is pronounced.

Click on this exciting infographic showing 6 Reasons why Students Prefer Digital Content.

8. Interactive Elements:

Including interactive features in an eBook makes the reading experience a more engaging one. eBooks can be embedded with audio and videos. External links can be included to offer additional information.

The user can even bookmark a certain page or find a word in a quick and effortless way. It also allows users to make annotations. There are multiple such interactive features which can be included in order to enhance the overall reading experience.

Also read: 9 Benefits of Interactive eBooks

Here’s a video with an example of an ebook created with KITABOO the digital publishing platform , with multimedia enhancements, several interactive elements and features like read aloud.

9. eBooks are Environment-friendly:

They totally eliminate the paper printing process, saving printing cost for the publishers. Approximately 2.2 million books are published each year, using around 3 million trees.

If these paper printed books were to be replaced with a digital book , it could save all those trees from being chopped down. Apart from cutting trees, it also adds to the carbon footprint by transporting the raw materials, production process in the mill, and the final shipping.

All these processes can be eliminated with the help of eBooks.

Thus, eBooks are better for the environment as a whole.

Know How to Create an Interactive eBook

10. affordable in the long run:.

Some people might feel that since it’s a new technology and new device, the cost obviously would be higher than that of printed books. But, its quite the opposite. eBooks cost much less than printed books. Because there’s not much of pre-production involved like that in printed books.

No paperback covers, no paper printing, no packaging cost, no shipping. So eventually it becomes much cheaper than a printed book . So instead of spending on printed books, one can actually save money by investing in eBooks. eBooks are hence easy on the pockets.

eBooks have a lot more to offer than their printed counterparts. Unlike printed books, eBooks allows users to interact with the content. In a printed book, the maximum a user can do is mark pages or highlight texts.

But with eBooks, one can do much more, they can customize it as per their convenience, search for words they don’t understand, listen to the audiobook , watch videos and much more.

With augmented reality and interactivities, eBooks already have an upper hand when it comes to user engagement. eBooks are also cost-effective, not only for the publisher but also for the user. Print books definitely have a traditional value to it, but eBooks are something which will completely transform the reading and learning experience in the near future.

In conclusion, eBooks offer numerous advantages over printed books. They are cost-effective, convenient, portable, and environmentally friendly. They also offer several customization options, accessibility features, and multimedia elements that are not available with printed books. Additionally, eBooks provide several benefits for learning and education. While printed books will always have a loyal following, the advantages of eBooks make them an attractive alternative for readers.

To know more, please write to us at  [email protected] .

Suggested Reads:

• How to Create School eBooks in 7 Easy Steps
• How to Select the Best eBook Publishing Platform
• Distribute eBooks on Online Platforms 
• Best eBook Publishing Strategies Every Publisher Must Know!
• Best Practices in Publishing & Distributing eBooks at Scale
• User-centric Design Strategies
• Data Security in Education
• Top Employee Training Software
• Top Employee Training Software You Need to Know About
• The Best ePUB Readers for Windows
• How Do eBooks Work?
• Employee Training Metrics
• Best Apps to Read PDF Books on Android Devices
• Top Innovations in K-12 Education

Discover how a mobile-first training platform can help your organization.

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Mike Harman

Mike is the SVP Business Development at KITABOO. He has over 30 years experience in achieving consistent top-line revenue growth and building mutually beneficial relationships. More posts by Mike Harman

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E-book vs. Physical Book: The Pros and Cons

E-books vs. physical books: weighing the pros and cons.

In todays modern age of digitization, e-books have gathered immense popularity as a highly convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional physical books. However, despite the advent and adoption of e-books, many individuals still harbor a penchant for physical books. This article delves into the advantages and disadvantages of both e-books and physical books, to assist you in making a well-informed decision tailored to your preferences.

E-Books: A Digital Alternative

Pros of e-books.

Convenience : With e-books, accessibility is at your fingertips. Easily downloadable, e-books can be stored on an array of devices including smartphones, tablets, or e-readers. This portability allows you to carry an entire library in your pocket.

Cost-Effectiveness : Generally more affordable than their physical counterparts, e-books particularly when purchased during sales or in bundles, can save avid readers a significant sum.

Space-Saving : Without the need for physical storage, e-books are ideal for individuals with limited living space or those looking to declutter.

Accessibility for Disabled Readers : E-books often feature text-to-speech, adjustable font sizes, and customizable color schemes, catering to individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities.

Environmentally Friendly : The digital nature of e-books negates the necessity for paper and ink, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

Cons of E-Books

Technology Dependence : E-books necessitate an electronic device and often an internet connection. Consequently, battery life and device functionality are potential hindrances.

Absence of Tangibility : The lack of physicality is a deterrent for those who relish the tactile experience of turning pages and holding a book.

Limited Resale Potential : Digital purchases are usually final. The absence of a resale or trade option means that e-books lack the potential for recovering costs.

Compatibility and Sharing Limitations : Differing e-book formats may not be universally compatible across devices, complicating the process of sharing with friends or family.

Risk of Data Loss : Digital storage subjects e-books to the risk of loss through device theft, malfunction, or damage.

Physical Books: The Traditional Choice

Pros of physical books.

Tactile Satisfaction : Physical books offer an irreplaceable tangible experience that many find pleasurable and nostalgic.

Resale Value : The option to sell or trade physical books means you can recuperate a portion of the expenses, potentially making them cost-effective in the long term.

Durability and Longevity : Free from technological restraints, physical books can endure for generations when maintained properly.

Cons of Physical Books

Inconvenience of Portability : The bulk and weight of physical books make them cumbersome to transport, especially in large quantities.

Higher Initial Costs : Generally, physical books are pricier than e-books, which may not be ideal for those on a budget or frequent readers.

Space Requirements : Physical books necessitate storage space, which can be challenging for those with limited living areas or extensive collections.

Limited Accessibility for Disabled Readers : Physical books may pose challenges for readers with visual impairments or other disabilities.

Environmental Concerns : The production of physical books requires paper, ink, and other resources, contributing to a greater environmental footprint compared to e-books.

Conclusion: Making the Choice

E-books and physical books each come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. While e-books offer convenience, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness, they are reliant on technology and lack the tangible experience. Physical books provide a sensory satisfaction and potential resale value but at the cost of portability, space, and environmental considerations. The choice between e-books and physical books is purely subjective and should align with your reading habits, preferences, and values.

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The significance of essay writing services.

Posted by Digital Strategies (Div of Comm) on Saturday, August 3, 2024 in Uncategorized .

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More From Forbes

The unintended consequences of california’s $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers.

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(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

California officials are reportedly considering a further increase to the recently implemented $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers. The California Food Council, which was established by Governor Gavin Newsom, is planning to propose an additional 3.5% raise for 2025 at their upcoming meeting in late July, according to Restaurant Business.

California’s minimum-wage law, which went into effect in April 2024, currently requires that fast-food restaurants with 60 or more locations nationwide increase their workers' pay to $20 an hour, which is $4 higher than the state’s minimum wage.

Additionally, it installed the Council, composed of industry representatives and restaurant workers, who are authorized to boost the wage annually by up to 3.5%, based on inflation. The Council also advises on health and safety standards for fast-food workers and combats issues like wage theft.

Although the bump in pay is intended to help improve the standard of living for more than half a million fast-food workers, there may be unintended consequences that could do more harm to these employees, including restaurant closures, job cuts, reduced hours and increased deployment of automation to bring down expenses.

Technologies To Replace Human Workers

There has been an increase in automation and self-service technology. Restaurants are deploying self-order kiosks, kitchen automation software and other labor-saving technologies to reduce reliance on human workers.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

A major Burger King franchisee in California confirmed plans to install kiosks at all locations in response to the $20 wage, Business Insider reported.

"We are installing kiosks in every single restaurant," Harsh Ghai, who owns 180 fast-food restaurants in California, including about 140 Burger King locations and numerous Taco Bell and Popeyes restaurants, told BI in an interview in early April.

Fast-food chains are adopting a range of AI, robotics and automation technologies across their customer-facing and back-end operations in order to reduce labor costs and address staffing shortages, while robotic kitchen assistants and software are automating more behind-the-scenes tasks.

Restaurants like McDonald's, Shake Shack, Panera Bread are deploying self-service kiosks that allow customers to place orders themselves, reducing the need for human cashiers.

The self-ordering systems offer improved precision in order-taking and tend to encourage higher spending from customers.

“Average kiosk sales see 10% higher checks than front counter sales and excellent profit flow-through,” Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs told investors last August.

The additional use of mobile apps for ordering and paying streamlines transactions and further reduces staffing needs. AI and automation are also being applied to back-office processes, like inventory management and scheduling, to increase efficiency.

Making Cuts And Reconsidering Plans

Some restaurants are cutting employee hours, having fewer workers per shift to control labor costs, while others are letting go of staff.

Michaela Mendelsohn, the CEO of Pollo West Corporation, one of the largest franchisees of California restaurant chain El Pollo Loco, who was also appointed to Newsom’s Fast Food Council, confirmed to Good Morning America in April that El Pollo Loco had to cut employee hours by 10% to reduce costs.

Moreover, Pizza Hut announced layoffs of over 1,200 delivery drivers in California due to the wage hike.

Chains, like Vitality Bowls , have streamlined menus by adding more pre-made items and eliminating labor-intensive offerings to reduce ingredient costs and prep work.

Some franchisees have reconsidered plans to open new locations in California due to the wage hike. Existing restaurants may close or pause hiring if they cannot sustain profitability with the increased labor costs.

Rubio's Coastal Grill has shut down 48 of its locations in California due to the high operational costs in the state.

"Making the decision to close a store is never an easy one," the company said in a statement. "The closings were brought about by the rising cost of doing business in California.

Higher Food Prices For Consumers

To offset the higher labor expenses, fast-food restaurants are raising menu prices for customers. According to Ghai, his restaurants usually implement annual price increases of 2% to 3%. However, in the past year, he has been forced to raise prices more significantly, between 8% and 10%.

He explained that most of this price hike is being used to offset the rising costs of food ingredients due to inflation. Ghai pointed out that these increases are not even sufficient to cover the additional labor expenses resulting from the recent minimum wage legislation.

Chipotle implemented a price increase of 6% to 7% on menu items in its approximately 500 California locations to offset the reduced profit margins resulting from the new minimum wage law.

Finding a balance between raising wages to improve the quality of life for workers and ensuring businesses remain profitable is a key challenge. The law's focus on large chains failed to take into account the impact on smaller, independent fast-food restaurants that might struggle to absorb high labor costs.

It's important to note that these are just some of the early observations. As more time passes, we'll have a clearer picture of its full impact on workers, businesses and consumers.

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Benefits Washing

113 Georgetown Law Journal Online (forthcoming)

25 Pages Posted:

Samantha J. Prince

Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson Law

Date Written: July 30, 2024

Employee benefits often comprise between 24 and 26% of a worker's compensation. As such, it is important that people know what benefits companies are actually offering. Such transparency is valuable to numerous stakeholders, not just limited to employees and jobseekers. Unfortunately, numerous companies engage in what this author calls "benefits washing." Benefits washing occurs when companies provide vague or misleading information about their employee benefits in an effort to make their benefits seem better than they are. The practice occurs in three primary ways, through: detail omission, attention deflection, and deceptive manipulation. This essay elaborates on what constitutes benefits washing. It also presents numerous examples of America's largest employers engaging in benefits washing, focusing on 401(k) plan benefits (due to the numerous variances allowed in such plans), abortion-related travel benefits, and remote work. Lastly, it discusses the harms that can emanate from benefits washing.

Keywords: employee benefits, benefits transparency, gender wage gap, remote work, 401(k) plans, abortion-related travel, employment law, attention deflection, detail omission, deceptive manipulation, ESG, CSR, whitewashing, hiring, deceptive practices, greenwashing, woke

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XY Athletes in Women’s Olympic Boxing: The Paris 2024 Controversy Explained

The historical, political, and medical context of the Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting cases.

With the return of the Olympics, it’s time for another predictable global uproar about XY athletes competing in the female category. This is now a century-old problem in elite sport that we’ve somehow not yet managed to solve in a uniform way. The Paris 2024 iteration of this debate is arguably the most explosive ever due to a confluence of at least three factors:

• This time around, the athletes are boxers not runners, which means they’re going to be punching their competitors. Physical safety and gender norms, not just competitive fairness, are front-and-centre in people’s minds. 
• After the debates about Lia Thomas and Caster Semenya (which I discussed  in an essay for  Quillette  in 2019), the public knows a lot more—though still not enough—about the two categories of XY athletes who might be included in female competition: transwomen like Thomas and people like Semenya with disorders or differences of sex development (DSD). DSD are also sometimes called intersex conditions or sex variations by those who prefer non-medical terms.
• The domestic culture wars around sex and gender have since heated up significantly to become a global battle, with LGBTQI-rights organisations and their allies in the international human-rights community arguing that sex isn’t real or doesn’t matter—either at all or as much as gender identity. Authoritarian regimes led by the Kremlin, meanwhile, describe gender diversity as a harbinger of the end of Western civilisation.

Social media has amplified all of this to the point that the story of the moment, about a boxer from Algeria and another from Taiwan, is top of the news worldwide. Provocative visuals—ubiquitous in boxing—elicit highly emotional responses from some, while others sell their misleading or uninformed political wares (“There’s no evidence these fighters are not cis women!”).

In what follows, I offer a primer on the underlying facts so that readers can follow the story as it unfolds and understand its historical, medical, and political context.

Who are the boxers at the heart of the current storm?

Imane Khelif is a 25-year-old welterweight from Algeria. Lin Yu-ting is a 28-year-old featherweight from Taiwan. Both have medalled at previous world championships in the female category, and both are participating in their second Olympic Games having already competed in Tokyo.

Why is their eligibility for the female category in question?

The International Boxing Association (IBA)  issued a statement  on 31 July explaining that a “recognized” test had established that Khelif and Lin do not meet the eligibility standards for female competition. The IBA says this was not a testosterone test, which means it’s referring to a genetic test. 

Here’s the relevant detail:

On 24 March 2023, IBA disqualified athletes Lin Yu-ting and Imane Khelif from the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships New Delhi 2023. This disqualification was a result of their failure to meet the eligibility criteria for participating in the women’s competition, as set and laid out in the IBA Regulations. This decision, made after a meticulous review, was extremely important and necessary to uphold the level of fairness and utmost integrity of the competition. Point to note, the athletes did not undergo a testosterone examination but were subject to a separate and recognized test, whereby the specifics remain confidential. This test conclusively indicated that both athletes did not meet the required necessary eligibility criteria and were found to have competitive advantages over other female competitors. The decision made by IBA on 24 March 2023 was subsequently ratified by the IBA Board of Directors on 25 March 2023. The official record of this decision can be accessed on the IBA website here . The disqualification was based on two tests conducted on both athletes as follows: • Test performed during the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul 2022. • Test performed during the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi 2023. For clarification Lin Yu-ting did not appeal the IBA’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), thus rendering the decision legally binding. Imane Khelif initially appealed the decision to CAS but withdrew the appeal during the process, also making the IBA decision legally binding.

Officials from the IBA have separately added that both fighters have XY chromosomes and high testosterone (“high T”) levels.

“High T” is one of the ways that testosterone levels outside of the female range tend to be described when one is speaking about an athlete in the female category. As you can see from Figure 1, immediately below, male and female T levels diverge at about the age of thirteen. Both Figure 1 and Figure 2 below make clear there’s no overlap in male and female T levels after early adolescence. Doping and being male are two ways that an adult athlete might have “high T.” 

It’s important to note that the IBA’s statements about Khelif and Lin are doubted by the IOC and others because the IBA has a reputation for being less than reliable, and because the IOC says it hasn’t seen the results of the tests that were the basis for the IBA’s decision to declare them ineligible. Alan Abrahamson reports , however, that the IBA sent them Khelif’s results back in June 2023.

Are Khelif and Lin transgender?

Like Caster Semenya, there’s no indication that either Khelif or Lin identifies as transgender. This makes sense given that they were apparently assigned female at birth—meaning that this is what was written on their birth certificates—and because being transgender is generally a matter of self-identification.

It is understandable that people are confused, however, because the word transgender is also sometimes used to mean a male who identifies as female. Khelif and Lin both identify as female based on their identity documents and their sex of rearing.

In any event, in sport at least, it seems their cases are being treated by everyone concerned as DSD cases.

What are DSD and why does elite sport care about them?

There are many different disorders or differences of sex development (DSD).

Depending on which you’re talking about, they can affect only males, only females, or both. As shown in Figure 2, immediately below, the only DSD of concern to sport affect genetic males who are also androgen sensitive—either fully, e.g. in the case of athletes with 5 alpha reductase deficiency (5-ARD), or substantially, e.g. in the case of athletes with partial androgen insensitivity (PAIS).

This makes policy sense. The point of the female category is to ensure that females only compete against each other and not against those with male biological advantage, and androgens are the primary driver of sex differences in athletic performance. As rough and insensitive as sex testing has been historically, the basic goal has remained constant.

Athletes with 5-ARD and PAIS have an XY chromosomal complement; they have testes; their testes produce testosterone well outside of the normal female range; their androgen receptors read and process their “high T”; and as a result, their bodies masculinise through childhood and puberty in the ways that matter for sport. Thereafter, their circulating T levels continue to have their usual performance-enhancing effects.

In other words—as shown in Figure 3 below, which compares athletes with 5-ARD to transwomen and sex-typical males and females—their variations from the male norm (such as underdeveloped external genitalia) are irrelevant to athletic performance. When they enter female competition, they carry male advantage.

Do Khelif and Lin have DSD that should make them ineligible for the female category?

As I write, there are currently three running versions of the answer to this question.

The first is the one from the—reputedly unreliable IBA—that Khelif and Lin do have DSD that should make them ineligible. That is, the IBA or its representatives have said they’re genetic males with male advantage. The latter generally means their T is bioavailable—they’re not androgen insensitive—and they’ve otherwise masculinised in the ways that matter in the arena. 

The second is the one that’s trending on social media and in some press commentary saying—without evidence—that Khelif and Lin are entirely female, XX chromosomes, ovaries, and all. Some concede the point that the athletes’ phenotypes are masculine, but they say that lots of women—a status they tend to read broadly to include transwomen—have masculine phenotypes and so this is just a matter of accepting that premise.

The third seems to be the IOC’s present position if we carefully parse its highly coded pronouncements—that Khelif and Lin may well have XY DSD with male advantage, but because they were identified at birth as female and continue to identify as such,  they’re women .

The IOC has spent a lot of time over the last few days lamenting the attacks on Khelif and Lin. We should all be lamenting them—they’re truly awful. Still, this volatile situation is almost entirely of the IOC’s own making. It’s sending impossibly mixed messages that were to be expected given its complicated relationship to sex and gender in sport.

CORRECTION In today’s IOC – Paris 2024 press briefing, IOC President Bach said: “But I repeat, here, this is not a DSD case, this is about a woman taking part in a women’s competition, and I think I have explained this many times.” What was intended was: “But I repeat, here,… — IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) August 3, 2024

• In June, the IOC issued a language guide that disallows the use of sex-based language to describe athletes at the Games and that requires the treatment of gender diverse XY athletes who identify as women to be unequivocal: they are women.
• This language guide follows from the positions the IOC took in 2021 that gender diverse XY athletes should not be considered to have male advantage in the arena simply because they’re male, and that male T levels shouldn’t be disqualifying—despite their scientifically well-understood role as the primary driver of the performance gap between the best males and the best females. 

The idea was to make the controversy about XY athletes like Caster Semenya and Lia Thomas in the female category disappear by disappearing the relevant biology and the language we use to talk about it.

The IOC wasn’t going to get away with this, of course, once the IBA called it out on its inclusion of Khelif and Lin in the female category. But it had tied its own hands in advance, and because of this—in my opinion—much of what has come out of its spokesperson’s mouth is a combination of “inside baseball” and sleights of hand.

Still, an excellent piece on 2 August by Alex Oller of Inside the Games tells us that knowledgeable reporters who are going with one of the two XY DSD versions of the answer to the question likely aren’t wrong. I recommend you read Oller’s reporting in full (and Inside the Games in general), but in sum:

Formally, the IOC is going with the gender that’s listed in Khelif and Lin’s passports, which undoubtedly say that their legal gender is female. You can think of this as the IOC’s current sex test—it’s using legal gender as a proxy for sex and/or eligibility for the female category.

The IOC has also said it has not seen anything to indicate that what’s in Khelif and Lin’s passports isn’t consistent with their sex. The IBA’s statements say otherwise, of course, but the IOC says it can’t trust the IBA’s statements on this because of the “arbitrary” procedure that yielded them.

At the same time, on the substance, the IOC has acknowledged that after Khelif’s first win on Thursday, it scrubbed from its own website the notation that at least Khelif—if not also Lin—has high T. To explain this, it said in part that T levels don’t matter, that lots of females also have high T. This is intentionally misleading. 

Female athletes with high T—including those with polycystic ovaries—have T levels towards the top of the female range, not outside of the female range or inside the male range. Their sex is not in doubt. As I explained above, “high T” in an athlete who seeks to compete in the female category is code in international sports for either doping with exogenous androgens or being biologically male with bioavailable endogenous androgens. There’s no indication that either Khelif or Lin is doping.

As an aside, the reason many federations and the IOC itself for years used T as a proxy for sex is that it’s an excellent one: neither ovaries nor adrenal glands produce T in the male range, only testes do. If you’re looking for biological sex rather than legal gender, it’s certainly more accurate than a passport.

The IOC has also said that it has given up sex testing because there’s no way to get it right practically and in a nondiscriminatory fashion and because scientifically there’s consensus Khelif and Lin are women.

It is impossible to reconcile the IOC’s statements here, even if you’re an insider. Either they had experts look at the files on the athletes or they didn’t. If they didn’t, there can’t be scientific consensus about anything.

By contrast, the rest is internally consistent. For political reasons in general, not with respect to Khelif and Lin in particular, the IOC doesn’t want to test athletes for sex because, in its view, it’s “impractical”—meaning expensive in the multiple ways it cares about—and “discriminatory” against XY athletes who identify as women.

Why were Khelif and Lin able to compete for years before being barred last year?

Khelif and Lin have been competing internationally in the sport of boxing for several years. They were only barred from global competition in 2023.

Prior to 2022, the International Boxing Association didn’t evaluate biological sex or male advantage with a chromosome or testosterone test. Instead, as the IOC is doing now, it relied on the athletes’ passports as a proxy for sex and/or eligibility for the female category. If an athlete was entered into international competition by their domestic federation in the female category and their identity document said they were female, the IBA accepted that as proof of their eligibility.

According to the IOC, the IBA “suddenly” and “arbitrarily” changed its approach in 2023. The IBA says it started conducting at least some biological tests after the Tokyo Games—at its world championships in 2022—but that it only began excluding ineligible athletes beginning in 2023.

Why is the IOC not the IBA in charge of whether Khelif and Lin compete in Paris?

The Olympic Charter normally leaves it to the international federations to set the eligibility standard for their sports. But as a result of governance failures and corruption scandals, the IOC hasn’t recognised the IBA’s authority to regulate the sport at the Olympic Games since 2019. Instead, competition in Tokyo and Paris has been run by an  ad hoc  group appointed by the IOC for this purpose. This group rejected the IBA’s biologically-based determination of Khelif and Lin’s sex in favour of the old passport test, which the IOC describes as “the rule in place in 2016.” As noted above, this happens to be consistent with the IOC’s own policy preferences.

How do Olympic Movement politics play into their story?

Olympic Movement politics are a huge factor in this story in at least two ways, both of which I’ve mentioned already.

The first of these is the IOC’s fight with the IBA. The IBA happens to be aligned with the Kremlin, which is separately hostile to the IOC for its stances on doping and the war in Ukraine.

The second is the IOC’s policy choice to align itself with trans-rights advocates and against advocates for a sex-based female category. Here, the IOC is not just at odds with the IBA but also with some of the Olympic Movement’s most important federations like World Athletics and World Aquatics. Unlike the IOC, these federations are determined to prioritise fairness and the preservation of the female category for female athletes.

Where do we go from here?

The Khelif and Lin cases demonstrate that everyone loses out when the eligibility rules are not firmly set in a way that’s consistent with the goals of the competition category. The firestorm this issue regularly and predictably causes, and the consequent damage to the organisations and athletes involved, should catalyse change. Continuing to push the matter away—as the IBA and other federations, including most prominently FIFA, have done over the years—only means that further ugly controversies will arise in the future.

I will close by reiterating the three basic points that I and other experts in girls’ and women’s sport have been making for a long time.

First, the female category in elite sport has no  raison d’être  apart from the biological sex differences that lead to sex differences in performance and the gap between the top male and female athletes. The suggestion that we could choose to rationalise the category differently—for instance, on the basis of self-declared gender identity—or that we could make increasingly numerous exceptions in the interests of inclusion (as the IOC seems to have done to allow Khelif and Lin to compete in Paris) has no legs outside of certain progressive enclaves.

Second, any eligibility standard—like the IOC’s framework—that denies or disregards sex-linked biology is necessarily category-defeating.

Finally, federations that are committed to the female category and to one-for-one equality for their female athletes must step up and do two things. They must craft evidence-based rules and then stick to them consistently. And they must seriously embrace other opportunities to welcome gender diversity within their sports.

This article has been updated to include a reference and link to Alan Abrahamson’s report.

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The Benefits of Ozempic Are Multiplying

You’ve heard the dramatic weight loss stories. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy , can help people lose 15 percent of their body weight. Tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound , may be even more effective at shedding pounds.

Known as GLP-1 agonists, these drugs were originally developed to help control diabetes. But there’s increasing evidence that they have other health benefits, beyond controlling weight. They seem to boost heart health, protect the kidneys, improve sleep apnea , and lower the risk of certain obesity-related cancers . Recent studies have also hinted at their potential to treat addiction and even slow the cognitive decline that comes with dementia. As researchers test these drugs for various conditions, they’re trying to untangle the mysteries behind how exactly they’re working in the body—and they have a few theories.

“Many of us in the medical community are really beginning to think about these drugs as health promotion drugs, not just weight loss drugs or even anti-obesity drugs,” says Harlan Krumholz, a cardiologist and professor at Yale University School of Medicine.

In March, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy became the first weight loss medication to also gain approval to help prevent serious heart problems in people with cardiovascular disease. In an international trial of more than 17,600 people with excess weight, weekly injections of Wegovy significantly reduced the risk of a major cardiac event . Researchers followed participants for an average of three years and found that those who took Wegovy were 20 percent less likely to die of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular cause.

Eli Lilly, which makes tirzepatide, is also looking to expand Zepbound’s uses. The company announced this month that its weight-loss drug improved symptoms in heart failure patients with obesity and led to a 38 percent reduction in hospitalizations.

One in every four deaths each year in the United States is due to heart disease, and obesity is increasingly a factor . Excess weight can cause high blood pressure and cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Weight gain can also affect how the heart muscle functions, increasing the risk of failure. It’s perhaps no wonder then that a drug that helps people lose weight would also improve heart health. But there are reasons to think there are other factors at play beyond weight loss.

“When we first saw the results, we wondered, is this simply about weight loss?” Krumholz says. “But what we’re seeing is that having more weight loss doesn't necessarily translate into more benefit.”

In the trial of people with heart disease, Wegovy lowered blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart rate, and heart inflammation before participants reached their maximum weight loss. What’s more, the drug seemed to reduce major cardiac events regardless of how much weight they lost . The same was true for heart failure patients. This all suggests to Krumholz that the drug is, at least in part, working on the cardiovascular system in some other way. “This is the big question,” he says. “What is the exact mechanism of benefit?”

Semaglutide and tirzepatide work by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a hormone found naturally in the body. These drugs act on GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas to trigger the release of insulin after eating, which helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. They also bind to GLP-1 receptors in the brain to make people feel full, leading them to eat less.

Scientists are still trying to understand the other knock-on effects of these drugs, including the cardiovascular benefits. One explanation is that GLP-1 receptors also exist on cells in the heart, blood vessels, liver, and kidney, so these drugs may act directly on these organs. “It turns out that these receptors are present in many parts of the body,” says Katherine Tuttle, a clinical professor of nephrology at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

A recent trial led by Tuttle was stopped early due to overwhelming evidence that semaglutide has protective effects on the kidney. The study included more than 3,500 people with both type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. About half of the participants took a weekly injection of semaglutide while the other half got a placebo shot. After an average of three and a half years, the semaglutide group had a 24 percent lower likelihood of having a major kidney disease event—such as needing dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Clinical trials aren’t usually designed to determine the mechanism of a drug—and in fact, the mechanisms of many drugs on the market aren’t entirely known. But Tuttle has her own theory for how semaglutide is protecting the kidney: by shutting down inflammation.

GLP-1 drugs may even calm inflammation in the brain, raising hope that they could be used to treat conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Inflammation is thought to play a role in the development of both conditions.

In a UK trial of 200 people with mild Alzheimer’s disease, an older GLP-1 drug called liraglutide appeared to slow shrinking of the parts of the brain that control memory, learning, language, and decisionmaking by as much as 50 percent. Those who received weekly injections of liraglutide over 52 weeks also had an 18 percent slower decline in cognitive function after a year compared to those who got the placebo. Obesity is a known risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, but the study didn’t specifically include people with obesity, which suggests that the drug is helping through another means.

The authors, who presented the findings last month at the Alzheimer’s Association annual conference, think liraglutide could be working in a few different ways—including reducing inflammation in the brain and lowering insulin resistance.

Heather Snyder, vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer’s Association, says the results are exciting, although larger trials will be needed to confirm this protective effect. “This is really the first study where we’ve seen a hint of this benefit for individuals,” she says.

And the neuroprotective effects may extend to Parkinson’s disease as well. An older diabetes drug in the GLP-1 family, lixisenatide, seemed to slow the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms in a small study of 156 patients in France. In results published in April , participants with early-stage Parkinson’s who took the drug for a year saw no worsening of motor symptoms such as tremors, balance problems, slowness, and stiffness. Those who received a placebo, meanwhile, experienced a decline over the same period.

Because GLP-1 drugs interact with the brain and seem to curb food cravings, scientists wonder if these medications could also curb cravings for addictive substances. Parts of the brain involved in eating behaviors are also involved in the use of alcohol and drugs. In mice, semaglutide has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption and binge-like drinking , and some people who have taken semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs have self-reported less drinking and smoking.

In 2019, researchers at Penn State wanted to see if this class of drugs could help reduce cravings in people with opioid use disorder. In experiments with rats, they showed that GLP-1 drugs could reduce fentanyl-seeking behavior and relapse to heroin. The group launched a pilot study of 20 participants who were living at a residential treatment facility. Half were given the GLP-1 drug liraglutide, and the other half received a placebo. Measuring cravings can be tricky, so researchers used a smartphone app that pinged people four times a day to ask about their craving as well as their mood and stress levels.

When the three-week study ended, researchers found that those who received the GLP-1 drug reported a 40 percent reduction in opioid craving compared to those who got the placebo. The study didn’t follow participants after they left the residential facility, so it’s not known whether the drug actually curbed their opioid use. That, of course, is the important outcome, since many people who initially recover from addiction experience a relapse.

Patricia Grigson, a professor of neural and behavioral sciences at Penn State College of Medicine who led the study, says GLP-1 drugs seem to block the signal in the brain that gets released after eating or taking an addictive substance. “It would appear that they're just knocking down that reward signal,” she says. Grigson presented the findings at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference earlier this year. Her group will test semaglutide next in 200 people getting treatment for opioid addiction, and they plan to start recruiting participants for that study this fall.

With so many people turning to GLP-1 drugs to lose weight, their other health benefits may soon become clearer—and so could the answers about how exactly they’re working. Grigson says newer drugs like tirzepatide, as well as ones still in development , may work even better than previous GLP-1 medications. “If they look safe, they need to be tested,” she says. “And the sooner, the better.”

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