Reading soft copy text is a growing trend with the influx of electronic reading materials, but traditional print books still attract readers more, said Singapore's National Library Board (NLB).
It is unlikely that books and printed materials will be replaced fully by digital or online versions in the near future, said an NLB spokesperson.
"Printed materials still retain their advantages over digital media in certain areas," he proclaimed.
For example, taking notes on paper is easier, compared to digitally, where a device is required, according to the NLB.
In addition, flipping pages is easier and much more "enjoyable" compared to clicking through them on a computer or a small-screened mobile device, the spokesperson said.
But Lee Kwok Cheong, CEO of SIM, said devices for reading electronic texts will evolve to include displays that rival the contrast and resolution of print on paper.SIM is run by the Singapore Institute of Management Group.
"It [will be] a portable device that presents content as if it is on paper," Lee said in an e-mail.
He added that this feature as well as two other "important factors"--connectivity to download content and weight--get better and prices drop to below S$200 (US$137), the use of such devices will "explode". This will provide readers easier access not only to e-books, but also e-newspapers and other Internet-based content, he noted.
Keeping with the times, the NLB currently offers readers electronic text options too. More than 770,000 e-books, 165 e-databases, 600 e-magazines and 800 e-newspapers from 81 countries are available at its portal.
With the pervasiveness of the Internet and advancement in mobile technology, the NLB noted, people are "supplementing their mobile lifestyle with digital contents", which is more accessible when they are on the move.
Based in Singapore, Konrad Foo is an intern with ZDNet Asia.
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