Turning the page on hardcovers – not yet

Andreina Poveda / Contributing writer

For some students, hearing the soft rustle of turning a page is priceless.

Despite the convenience of tablets and e-readers, the smell of ink and paper seems to be more popular among college students than the light of a screen.

E-books can be lighter, cheaper and better for the environment, but they are used by a small percentage of students in the classrooms compared to conventional books.

According to a McGraw-Hill Higher Education executive, studies show that only 3 percent of college students buy e-books. The reasons include lack of information on the advantages and use of e-books and the resistance to change something they have been accustomed to their entire lives.

“I know e-books are cheaper, but I like to highlight and make notes on margins,” said Jenniffer Barrios, a junior majoring in hospitality.

According to a 2011 survey conducted by the Book Industry Group and the Association of American Publishers, e-books accounted for a 15.5 percent of publishers’ revenue in 2011.

But the sales of e-books are rising. Revenue from sales of e-books doubled compared to the total collected in 2010, reaching $2.07 billion last year.

Print sales dropped to $11.1 billion in 2011 compared to $12.1 billion in 2010.

Andres Perez, a biology sophomore taking six classes this semester, is using for the first time e-books for two of his courses.

“Because I own a tablet it is easier to move around,” said Perez who added that he bought more books and spent less this semester by choosing  the digital versions.

Demetrius Smith, a sophomore computer and engineering major, is a supporter of textbooks.

“It’s more a hands-on thing. It really depends on the class and most of what I take is math and labs,” said Smith, but he also admitted that he prefers tablets for other types of readings.

Mario Diament, associate professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, feels he has nothing against e-books but that he is old-school in this matter. However, he shared that he uses audio-books as an alternative sometimes.

“I like to touch the book. It is an object and the feeling of holding a book in your hand is different from reading from a screen,” Diament said.

Lorna Veraldi, associate professor in SJMC, shares Diament’s view and prefers books rather than anything digital.

“I don’t use e-books in class. I like interacting with books and writing in them, it’s a personal preference.”

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