A resurgence in reading habit has been accompanied by improved
gadgets that allow online reading as well as purchase of books, both
print and electronic versions. Rakesh kumar trawls through the
e-landscape to learn more
A series of advertisement clips, accompanied by the jingle "Pocket me
TV"(TV in the pocket), for an application that is available on a mobile
phone, has brought home the extent of revolution that gadgets have
made, shrinking several activities such as watching television,
listening to music, playing games like chess or cards as well choosing
from a library of books. Indeed, a plethora of applications are
available for entertainment as well as work on a mobile phone. A list of
negative fall-outs of too much time spent on the phone notwithstanding,
several good have emerged as well. Even if it was unconsciously done,
people picked up their reading habits, thanks to the digital
availability of books. Six year ago, Amazon released its first e-reader
Kindle, hooking on an increasing number of readers on the move. And
Kindle has seen several innovations since (See Box: Chronology of
Kindle). Moreover, the smartphone has made it more facile as it allows a
reader to download an entire book and peruse it as on a computer
desktop or laptop. Not just for an avid reader, but the application is a
boon for students, who are no more dependent on heavy books.
Reading habits
Down the ages reading has been termed as next to religion in India. In ancient days, a person who knew how to read was termed as equivalent to God. But reading today has taken a new meaning, quite different from the traditional one. With education made universal, almost everyone, cutting across class and creed can now read. Students are forced to read textbooks but that does not lead to reading habit. In fact, educators say, it's reading as a hobby that makes the cut. Reading a novel, poetry, biography or books on travel, gardening, health or entertainment, all would come under the ambit of reading habit. "Reading habit is the art of personal investigation and self-study. It should be followed by self-thinking and only this kind of self-study on one's own accord, can develop into good reading habit," said a Delhi University professor.
Unfortunately, down the years, due to several reasons, slowly but steadily, this reading habit has changed a lot across the country. There are millions of avid readers in India and abroad. But most have limited access to the printed version of their favourite books. The scene gets worse in even major Indian languages. For these readers, other modes, including online, came as a boon. Coming to the online culture, it has sparked off a drastic change in reading habits. In fact, online studying has become the most preferred mode among a majority of students.
Dying interest
According to a survey by the National Book Trust last year, three fourths of the total number of literate youth in the country do not read anything other than their textbooks. And the proportion of leisure readers among the youth is higher in urban India at 31.2 per cent, as compared to the rural youth. Only one fifth of the youth from the country's rural areas read books other than their textbooks. Moreover, the rising disinterest in reading books can also be attributed to TV and Internet. People are spending much more time watching television than reading books. "Though one enjoys reading a book, there is more enjoyment watching things live. Therefore, watching television has become a greater source of entertainment for people," saidVishal Bhandari, a student of Delhi University. Tulsi Jha, who works in a multinational company has a different reason: "After returning from a hectic day in the office, I would rather avoid reading, which requires a great deal of attention." However, for a bookworm, they can never be far from a book. But even they admit that the Internet and 24-hour TV are impacting their reading habits.
According to academicians, a good reading habit is based on five stages: exploring, vocabulary, analysing, synthesising and understanding.
Tech matters
With deepening penetration of desktops, laptops, tablet PCs and net-enabled mobile phones technology is opening up more choices for people hungry for information. Moreover, with prices of paperbacks and hardcover books going up, readers are increasingly taking to digital textbooks and e-books. In fact, digital reading does not stop at computer or laptops, mobile phones and tablets are a rage when it comes to e-reading and more and more youngsters are drifting towards e-books. Be it in the Metro or car, people could be spotted reading online newspapers or books on their gadgets. "The major advantages of digital reading is that most publications are easily available on the Internet and can be downloaded for free. They are more viable whereas it's not possible to buy every book one would like to read," argued Saurav Singh, a young entrepreneur.
Several options
With a simple click, there are thousands of options available on the net, making it simpler, quicker and more fun to choose. Be it Indian tales, comics, graphic novels, poetry, ancient ballads, autobiographies, literature, fiction or kids specials ~ anyone can enjoy reading them in their regional Indian languages and in English, anytime from any place. Name any author, publisher or the book you want to download and read at your convenience ~ it is all possible with a perfect eBook gallery. Even some of the rare books, which are forgotten, are available on Internet. Now you can download and read on your iOS, Android, Windows or Mac system. You can also find eBooks on any popular subjects such as fiction, travel, biography, comic, literature, history, religion, society, nature and more. Books in digital format have a global reach. One can own them anytime from any part of the world at one's discretion. There is no long wait for a book to get released, ordered and then read. eBooks are instantly available worldwide. Having an universal appeal, there is no age bar or geographical restrictions. Whether it is a book on fiction, travel, society, history, literature, biography or any subject you need, there are collections according to one's tastes and preferences.
Paradigm shift
Ever since online reading has become available, reading habits across the globe have witnessed a critical change. This trend of reading books online is playing a vital role in changing the reading habits of the Indian society as well. Since it is more accessible and interesting, it has changed the tradition of reading paper books. Thanks to free books available online, these days, it is very easy to develop a reading habit. All kinds of books are available on the online bookstores and in online book fairs, where a user can shop for their selected books. "Gone are the days when people used to walk down to the crowded book stores and purchase the desired reading material," said a book seller. "It is the era of online book shopping in India and it is rapidly taking over the purchase of physical books." Agrees Ravi Khera, a voracious reader: "Why hunt in different places when I can find books online sitting at home." Moreover, with the online shopping websites and bookstores offering discounts, combo gifts and home delivery services, offline stores are finding it difficult to match and keep pace.
Online benefits
Online shopping of books has not only carved a niche in its own sector but has immensely garnished the reading habits in students, working professionals, teachers and parents. "Online shopping websites get books at subsidised rates from the US and the UK because of which they are able to offer huge discounts," said a book seller. "Why would a reader burn fuel and pay parking tickets to reach a bookstore when a book of his choice can be delivered on his doorstep at a lesser price." The other factor is cost. The printed versions usually come in the higher price range and passionate readers may not find it easy or cost-effective to feed their addiction.
Digital fairs
These days, even book fairs are devoting more and more space to the online or digital books. For instance, at the 19th edition of the Delhi Book Fair this year, every other shop was focusing more on digitising of books. As everyone is moving fast towards digitization and e-books, the role of libraries is increasingly under focus for a shift in mode. If one does not want to buy a book, one can always rent it for a specific period of time from online websites or libraries. Online book rental is gaining popularity in India, with a number of websites offering free doorstep delivery for a small monthly fee. Users can browse for books online and have their choice home-delivered, rather than physically visiting a library to borrow a book. The popularity of such websites can be attributed to increasing Internet usage in the country. India is expected to have the third largest number of Internet users in the world by 2013. Some online libraries (like [INDIAreads.com]), however, have a national presence and are trying to reach other smaller cities by using courier companies and postal service to deliver books.
Gadgets only
Unlike earlier, when one had to track down from a collection of books in a library, e-books are just a click away. The entire book of one's choice can be downloaded within 3-4 minutes for an average size novel. Moreover, there are gadgets which are reader-friendly, such as PC, Mac, laptop, eReader, Tablet, iPad, iPhone, Android, PDA or any Smartphone device one has. Apart from this, there are many websites where e-books or PDF files can be shared for free, such as, Scribd, BookYards, SnipFiles, EBook Lobby and, whereas all or part of an e-book(s) can also be bought on payment from popular websites such as Amazon, Google eBooks or Flipkart.
Last mile
However, there are several factors, which hinder a reader from reaching online bookstores. Many observers have found that due to the low literacy level of merely 65 per cent in India, the country's publishing houses or online bookstores are not making much business. According to one report, only seven per cent Indians surf the web on a regular basis. The digital technology has thus very little chance of running down the country's print industry. The other factor is connectivity. A large segment of the readers in India are not well connected to the Internet.
Then there are those who are difficult to convert. They are more open to classroom books, exam papers, course materials than the history of great Indian literature. Conventional education system does not allow them to read famous authors and their life-time publications. However, the good news is that readers are now more comfortable with modern computing devices. These people prefer reading books online and on their handheld devices.
"Nothing can match the thrill of holding a novel in your hands. But, I would rather read an e-book than not read at all," said Sangeeta Kumari, a Bihar-based student, when asked to if e-reading had the same charm as that of holding, possessing and reading a book. "I am not in a habit of reading e-books right now. But, it is easier to download e-books as many things are available at one place," said Puneet Yadav, a medical aspirant, summing up where e-books and online reading stands in our country. There is indeed a lot of potential and much more needs to be done to nurture that reading habit.
Reading habits
Down the ages reading has been termed as next to religion in India. In ancient days, a person who knew how to read was termed as equivalent to God. But reading today has taken a new meaning, quite different from the traditional one. With education made universal, almost everyone, cutting across class and creed can now read. Students are forced to read textbooks but that does not lead to reading habit. In fact, educators say, it's reading as a hobby that makes the cut. Reading a novel, poetry, biography or books on travel, gardening, health or entertainment, all would come under the ambit of reading habit. "Reading habit is the art of personal investigation and self-study. It should be followed by self-thinking and only this kind of self-study on one's own accord, can develop into good reading habit," said a Delhi University professor.
Unfortunately, down the years, due to several reasons, slowly but steadily, this reading habit has changed a lot across the country. There are millions of avid readers in India and abroad. But most have limited access to the printed version of their favourite books. The scene gets worse in even major Indian languages. For these readers, other modes, including online, came as a boon. Coming to the online culture, it has sparked off a drastic change in reading habits. In fact, online studying has become the most preferred mode among a majority of students.
Dying interest
According to a survey by the National Book Trust last year, three fourths of the total number of literate youth in the country do not read anything other than their textbooks. And the proportion of leisure readers among the youth is higher in urban India at 31.2 per cent, as compared to the rural youth. Only one fifth of the youth from the country's rural areas read books other than their textbooks. Moreover, the rising disinterest in reading books can also be attributed to TV and Internet. People are spending much more time watching television than reading books. "Though one enjoys reading a book, there is more enjoyment watching things live. Therefore, watching television has become a greater source of entertainment for people," saidVishal Bhandari, a student of Delhi University. Tulsi Jha, who works in a multinational company has a different reason: "After returning from a hectic day in the office, I would rather avoid reading, which requires a great deal of attention." However, for a bookworm, they can never be far from a book. But even they admit that the Internet and 24-hour TV are impacting their reading habits.
According to academicians, a good reading habit is based on five stages: exploring, vocabulary, analysing, synthesising and understanding.
Tech matters
With deepening penetration of desktops, laptops, tablet PCs and net-enabled mobile phones technology is opening up more choices for people hungry for information. Moreover, with prices of paperbacks and hardcover books going up, readers are increasingly taking to digital textbooks and e-books. In fact, digital reading does not stop at computer or laptops, mobile phones and tablets are a rage when it comes to e-reading and more and more youngsters are drifting towards e-books. Be it in the Metro or car, people could be spotted reading online newspapers or books on their gadgets. "The major advantages of digital reading is that most publications are easily available on the Internet and can be downloaded for free. They are more viable whereas it's not possible to buy every book one would like to read," argued Saurav Singh, a young entrepreneur.
Several options
With a simple click, there are thousands of options available on the net, making it simpler, quicker and more fun to choose. Be it Indian tales, comics, graphic novels, poetry, ancient ballads, autobiographies, literature, fiction or kids specials ~ anyone can enjoy reading them in their regional Indian languages and in English, anytime from any place. Name any author, publisher or the book you want to download and read at your convenience ~ it is all possible with a perfect eBook gallery. Even some of the rare books, which are forgotten, are available on Internet. Now you can download and read on your iOS, Android, Windows or Mac system. You can also find eBooks on any popular subjects such as fiction, travel, biography, comic, literature, history, religion, society, nature and more. Books in digital format have a global reach. One can own them anytime from any part of the world at one's discretion. There is no long wait for a book to get released, ordered and then read. eBooks are instantly available worldwide. Having an universal appeal, there is no age bar or geographical restrictions. Whether it is a book on fiction, travel, society, history, literature, biography or any subject you need, there are collections according to one's tastes and preferences.
Paradigm shift
Ever since online reading has become available, reading habits across the globe have witnessed a critical change. This trend of reading books online is playing a vital role in changing the reading habits of the Indian society as well. Since it is more accessible and interesting, it has changed the tradition of reading paper books. Thanks to free books available online, these days, it is very easy to develop a reading habit. All kinds of books are available on the online bookstores and in online book fairs, where a user can shop for their selected books. "Gone are the days when people used to walk down to the crowded book stores and purchase the desired reading material," said a book seller. "It is the era of online book shopping in India and it is rapidly taking over the purchase of physical books." Agrees Ravi Khera, a voracious reader: "Why hunt in different places when I can find books online sitting at home." Moreover, with the online shopping websites and bookstores offering discounts, combo gifts and home delivery services, offline stores are finding it difficult to match and keep pace.
Online benefits
Online shopping of books has not only carved a niche in its own sector but has immensely garnished the reading habits in students, working professionals, teachers and parents. "Online shopping websites get books at subsidised rates from the US and the UK because of which they are able to offer huge discounts," said a book seller. "Why would a reader burn fuel and pay parking tickets to reach a bookstore when a book of his choice can be delivered on his doorstep at a lesser price." The other factor is cost. The printed versions usually come in the higher price range and passionate readers may not find it easy or cost-effective to feed their addiction.
Digital fairs
These days, even book fairs are devoting more and more space to the online or digital books. For instance, at the 19th edition of the Delhi Book Fair this year, every other shop was focusing more on digitising of books. As everyone is moving fast towards digitization and e-books, the role of libraries is increasingly under focus for a shift in mode. If one does not want to buy a book, one can always rent it for a specific period of time from online websites or libraries. Online book rental is gaining popularity in India, with a number of websites offering free doorstep delivery for a small monthly fee. Users can browse for books online and have their choice home-delivered, rather than physically visiting a library to borrow a book. The popularity of such websites can be attributed to increasing Internet usage in the country. India is expected to have the third largest number of Internet users in the world by 2013. Some online libraries (like [INDIAreads.com]), however, have a national presence and are trying to reach other smaller cities by using courier companies and postal service to deliver books.
Gadgets only
Unlike earlier, when one had to track down from a collection of books in a library, e-books are just a click away. The entire book of one's choice can be downloaded within 3-4 minutes for an average size novel. Moreover, there are gadgets which are reader-friendly, such as PC, Mac, laptop, eReader, Tablet, iPad, iPhone, Android, PDA or any Smartphone device one has. Apart from this, there are many websites where e-books or PDF files can be shared for free, such as, Scribd, BookYards, SnipFiles, EBook Lobby and, whereas all or part of an e-book(s) can also be bought on payment from popular websites such as Amazon, Google eBooks or Flipkart.
Last mile
However, there are several factors, which hinder a reader from reaching online bookstores. Many observers have found that due to the low literacy level of merely 65 per cent in India, the country's publishing houses or online bookstores are not making much business. According to one report, only seven per cent Indians surf the web on a regular basis. The digital technology has thus very little chance of running down the country's print industry. The other factor is connectivity. A large segment of the readers in India are not well connected to the Internet.
Then there are those who are difficult to convert. They are more open to classroom books, exam papers, course materials than the history of great Indian literature. Conventional education system does not allow them to read famous authors and their life-time publications. However, the good news is that readers are now more comfortable with modern computing devices. These people prefer reading books online and on their handheld devices.
"Nothing can match the thrill of holding a novel in your hands. But, I would rather read an e-book than not read at all," said Sangeeta Kumari, a Bihar-based student, when asked to if e-reading had the same charm as that of holding, possessing and reading a book. "I am not in a habit of reading e-books right now. But, it is easier to download e-books as many things are available at one place," said Puneet Yadav, a medical aspirant, summing up where e-books and online reading stands in our country. There is indeed a lot of potential and much more needs to be done to nurture that reading habit.
Box item
Chronology of Kindle
A favourite e-reader, Kindle has engrossed the Indian reader since its launch in 2007. The latest version, Kindle Paperwhite, was launched this year but is yet to reach India. Here's a chronology of Kindle:
2007: Kindle
It was a revolution of sorts. The wedge-shaped device, with a grainy black and white e-ink display and an oddly split keyboard sporting diagonal keys, was an instant hit. Though steeply priced at 399 dollars, it was soon sold out.
2009: Kindle 2
With a streamlined design, the new Kindle was slightly lighter and slimmer. Its capacity increased from 200 books to 1,500 and the price dropped to 259 dollars.
2009: Kindle DX
An improvement on Kindle 2, this version could sense when a user changed orientation and adjusted text to flow in landscape or portrait mode.
2010: Kindle Keyboard
Armed with a sleek graphite body, this version used the e-ink "Pearl" display, which had a higher contrast than the previous Kindle, making the text much easier on the eyes. It was slightly smaller and had built-in speakers for audio-books. The price started at 139 dollars.
2011: Kindle 4
Its price starting at 79 dollars, this was the first Kindle to sport a touchscreen, removing the keyboard. The device was, however, ugly with a grey bezel.
2012: Kindle Paperwhite
This Kindle had a gorgeous screen that was lit from "within" by a unique grid-lighting technology that does not shine into the eyes like an LCD screen. The screen looked almost like real paper, with black text on a bright white background. It was priced at 119 dollars.
2013: Kindle Paperwhite
Available at the same price as its earlier version, this Kindle is more evenly lit and has faster page turns. But the two versions are nearly the same.
A favourite e-reader, Kindle has engrossed the Indian reader since its launch in 2007. The latest version, Kindle Paperwhite, was launched this year but is yet to reach India. Here's a chronology of Kindle:
2007: Kindle
It was a revolution of sorts. The wedge-shaped device, with a grainy black and white e-ink display and an oddly split keyboard sporting diagonal keys, was an instant hit. Though steeply priced at 399 dollars, it was soon sold out.
2009: Kindle 2
With a streamlined design, the new Kindle was slightly lighter and slimmer. Its capacity increased from 200 books to 1,500 and the price dropped to 259 dollars.
2009: Kindle DX
An improvement on Kindle 2, this version could sense when a user changed orientation and adjusted text to flow in landscape or portrait mode.
2010: Kindle Keyboard
Armed with a sleek graphite body, this version used the e-ink "Pearl" display, which had a higher contrast than the previous Kindle, making the text much easier on the eyes. It was slightly smaller and had built-in speakers for audio-books. The price started at 139 dollars.
2011: Kindle 4
Its price starting at 79 dollars, this was the first Kindle to sport a touchscreen, removing the keyboard. The device was, however, ugly with a grey bezel.
2012: Kindle Paperwhite
This Kindle had a gorgeous screen that was lit from "within" by a unique grid-lighting technology that does not shine into the eyes like an LCD screen. The screen looked almost like real paper, with black text on a bright white background. It was priced at 119 dollars.
2013: Kindle Paperwhite
Available at the same price as its earlier version, this Kindle is more evenly lit and has faster page turns. But the two versions are nearly the same.
