iPad Technology is Replacing the Need for Physical Libraries

Ever since technology became the norm in everyday households, a lot of traditional aspects of society have become obsolete. This can range from manual tasks such as cleaning and traveling to complex jobs like creating art and setting appointments. 

Some of the major strongholds of en educated society are libraries, which are infused with knowledge from all around the globe. Libraries have been under threat ever since the start of the 20th century, with the popularization of computers and laptops. While this does upset the older generations, it is not a bad change in the fabric of society. Libraries are not ending: they are only evolving.

Before tablets and e-readers were common, reading a book meant going to a store or your public library, picking out a book from thousands of copies, purchasing it and then bringing it back home. This process was happening all around the world until the need for physical books was almost eliminated. A clear trend was forming which favored iPads and other tablet readers over physical books. There are many reasons why this happened.

Disruptive Innovations in Reading

A survey conducted amongst young students found that around 63% are interested in apps that can give access to reading materials and programs. iPads act as a disruptive innovation in reading with their high power technology and ease of ease. Academics have discussed this change at length as more and more developments replace the need for physical books. 

With internet access in all homes and smartphones in the hands of children, why wouldn’t iPads become the main source of knowledge? The role of physical libraries in the current century is thus questioned and people are wondering if there will come a day when there is no need for them at all.

iPads are only the start of this change. There are 3D printers that can bind books on command, schools which have replaced their curriculums with e-learning and parents who introduce their kids to the many benefits of reading on their devices. Does this mean that there is no longer any relevance to public libraries? Or are there still some ways we can salvage their importance?

The Evolution of Libraries

The digital age has seen Apple iPads rise above other devices and brands to become a household name. Where the computerization of fundamental reading was heavily criticized, iPads became an efficient and simple way to make it more interesting. Not only is it faster to read on an iPad, but it is also easy to acquire the kind of books that interest you. 

Customers have decided by far that accessing information through iPads and the internet is better than physical books. And this is how we have seen libraries change. Librarians and officials are taking proactive measures to ensure that even in the digital age, libraries remain a part of our lives. They have taken the service of iPad technologies and translated them into the essence of reading and community building.

Libraries have digitized the thousands of books they keep, and they also networked their catalogs. This means there are more accessible and extensions of the kinds of material available. Besides this, they have focused on e-reading through tablets like the iPad and their importance.

The Benefits of Using iPads for Reading

Your Carbon Footprint

A report which was published by the Green Press The initiative found that the average lifecycle of a device like the iPad accounts less for the overall carbon footprint of a reader. One iPad will only be responsible for 130 kg (287 lbs.) of greenhouse gas emissions during its lifetime. When iPad users do not purchase physical books and download their reading materials, they will not come close to the breaking point.

Catering to Younger Readers

Most middle school students prefer e-readers over physical books, according to a 2014 study. Even those children who do not care much for reading prefer using tablets like iPads because they seem much more interesting. Invoking the need for learning within younger people is effective if they are introduced to iPads as reading devices.

Battery Life

iPads have a long-lasting battery which means that people can read for hours without having to recharge their devices. Not only this, but reading in the dark is possible with this device as it even has a night mode option.

Capacity

With physical books, you will have to carry one or two if you are doing research or take at least four with you if you are going away. The best thing about using the iPad to read is that its capacity allows you to carry hundreds of books at the same time. There is no extra luggage and all your reading materials are in one place.

Conclusion

Although iPads have taken over the interests of most readers, they have integrated themselves into libraries as a means of passing knowledge. To learn more about using these tablets for reading, you can opt for an iPad hire and see if it suits you.