Have you ever used an e-book? Recently, the use of e-books as university textbooks among college students has increased annually by over 50%, reflecting the growing trend of digital learning through smart devices. In the case of our school, starting this semester, we can receive support for university textbooks through the ‘Kyobo Bookstore Electronic Library.’ So, how are e-books provided, and what sets them apart from existing paper books?

What is an e-book?

E-books, a concept that emerged in 2007, refer to books or content made of digital information rather than paper, which can be read or listened to on an electronic device, and a terminal (e-book reader) for viewing them.  Since their introduction, e-books have experienced an explosive growth, signaling significant shifts in the global publishing market. 

According to the '2023 National Reading Status' survey announced by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the e-book reading rate among adults was 19.4%, a 2.9% percentage point increase from the 2019 survey, with a significant increase in e-book reading among students and young people in their 20s. The e-book reading rate among students reached 49.1%, up 11.9 percentage points from four years earlier, indicating that e-books are becoming a mainstream medium for reading among younger generations. 

In line with this trend, the domestic e-book market continues to expand. Interpark Books reports that the number of e-book publications in 2013 was more than six  times greater than in 2011. 

Representative domestic e-book platforms include Ridibooks, YES24 eBook, Kyobo Bookstore, Aladin, and Millie's Library. Ridibooks supports delicate e-book terminals such as Ridipaper and offers a variety of books with a clean UI. UI means user interface, designing the screen where users interact with products or services.

YES24 eBook, Kyobo Bookstore, and Aladin provide both paper books and e-books, Kyobo Bookstore, in particular, offers a stable reading environment through its own ePub viewer. 

Millie's Library operates on a subscription model, and provides not only general e-books but also audiobooks, chatbooks, and original content, offering a diverse and distinctive  reading experience.

In addition, international e-book platforms include Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Kobo. Amazon Kindle is the world's largest e-book platform, with a vast collection of books, and provides an optimized reading experience by syncing with Kindle-specific devices. Apple Books is a platform for iOS and Mac users and offers seamless linking and an intuitive UI within the Apple account, enhancing its convenience. Kobo is an e-book platform based in Canada, but it provides e-books in various languages, allowing ​users to enjoy a convenient reading experience. As e-book platforms diversify globally, users are selecting the right service that best suits their reading habits and preferences.

Pros and Cons of E-books

Built on various platforms, e-books are rapidly developing and transforming the reading paradigm, and are considerably influencing learning methods, such as the introduction of digital textbooks. One of the biggest advantages of e-books is their ability to leverage various features. E-books can quickly find the information you want through the content search function, and provide a read-aloud feature to help visually impaired people and children engage with reading.

In addition, it is effective for learning because it can incorporate audiovisual materials as well as simple text. Specifically, in the case of digital textbooks, students can actively learn by utilizing various multimedia materials and practice functions rather than simply passively absorbing course content. Furthermore, compared to paper books that need to be reprinted, it is easy to update with the latest information and make quick typo corrections, enabling a rapid response to changing educational curricula.

In addition, overcoming physical limitations is also an important advantage. E-books can be easily carried in hundreds or even thousands of books, minimizing spatial constraints, and their durability reduces the risk of physical damage. In particular, they are gaining popularity  because thick textbooks, such as university textbooks, can be conveniently accessed without having to carry them separately. Moreover, reading and studying are possible regardless of time and place, and e-books can be purchased at a relatively lower price compared to paper books, which helps reduce costs. Furthermore, this has a positive effect on environmental protection by reducing paper usage.

However, there are also several disadvantages to e-books and digital textbooks. First, the economic burden is often cited as a problem. Of course, e-books are generally cheaper than paper books, but if the provider’s service is discontinued, there is a risk that you may no longer be able to use the books you have purchased. You may have to buy the books from another provider or repurchase them as paper books, which will inevitably lead to additional expenses.

In addition, in order to use digital textbooks, you need to purchase electronic devices such as tablets and laptops, which can be a significant burden on household budgets. In addition, since there is no concept of second-hand trading for e-books, if certain books go out of print, they may no longer be available, which can lead to excessive consumption.

The impact of e-books on individuals should also be considered. Reading on a digital screen is generally less comfortable than on a paper book, and the difference in resolution can lead to increased eye strain when used for prolonged periods. Moreover, digital textbooks pose a risk of easily getting distracted by other content while studying, and there is a high possibility of distraction due to games or social media. This can have a negative impact on the development of study habits, and in severe cases, it may increase dependence on smart devices, leading to digital addiction.

In addition, e-books are at a higher risk of copyright issues and illegal copying. Unlike paper books, they are provided in digital format, making illegal distribution relatively easy, which can result in significant losses for publishers and authors. Moreover, e-books have more restrictions on editing and design than paper books, making precise formatting more difficult, and there are frequent instances where paper books and e-books are not released simultaneously, or e-book versions are published later.

The pros and cons of e-books and digital textbooks are also connected to the recent concerns raised about literacy. When reading a paper book, the process of slowly and carefully reading the sentences tends to occur naturally, but in e-books, the tendency to quickly search for information or skim has led to a decline in in-depth reading. The same applies to digital textbooks, which contain a lot of multimedia materials, causing learners to  rely on videos or images rather than text. As a result, concerns have been raised that the ability to read and comprehend long sentences may be weakened. 

Ultimately, although e-books and digital textbooks offer increased efficiency and accessibility, we must also consider their inevitable drawbacks. As technology advances, digital reading and learning environments require further refinement, and it is important for readers and learners to cultivate balanced reading habits on their own.  

Paper books are gradually becoming less common, while various new forms of books are emerging. However, Millie's Library has started selling paper books on demand, reflecting the opinions of readers who want to own physical copies of books previously available only as e-books. As such, each format has its own advantages and disadvantages and different preferences, so it is necessary to consider your own needs and make a thoughtful choice. We must keep in mind that embracing new technologies and the unconditional publishing and purchasing e-books are not always beneficial.