As the technology in our lives continues to become more advanced, we begin to see innovations previously unimaginable. Now, we find eBooks where only printed books previously existed,. These digital versions come in a variety of mediums: on an e-reader—such as the Kindle— online or downloadable to a personal computer. Some sites such as Google Play Books even allow users to access their eBooks on their phones.

To some, these digital books are blasphemous. Some even go so far as to say that they shouldn’t even be considered books at all. The switch from a physical bookshelf and the ability to flip through pages to a digital, comprehensive archive isn’t desirable to everyone. Many, like myself, enjoy and prefer holding a physical book. There’s something relaxing about lying in bed, wrapping the pages of a book around the face and getting lost in the writing. The ability to flip through the pages to find a small segment of highlighting or hide a small pressed flower between two pages will never grow old.

And we certainly can’t ignore the smell of old books, a trait that you just can’t get with digital copies.

However, there are good and bad points to each. Digital copies themselves are certainly cheaper than hard copies in the long run, especially when dealing with textbooks, even though the platform (laptop, Kindle, etc.) costs more than a single book. Furthermore, professors can upload digital copies of articles or other pieces to sites such as Moodle and students can upload them from online databases, reducing the clutter and cost that comes with print versions. Digital copies are also easier to travel with, as an e-reader or phone can contain hundreds of books at your immediate disposal on one small platform that can be carried in a pocket or small bag.

This holds especially true when moving between classes, as it would prevent students from carrying large backpacks. However, small e-readers make sharing books in class rather difficult. Furthermore, if a book gets wet, the pages can be divided, dried, and saved with minimal damage. Should an e-reader get wet, the potential for lasting damage is much higher.

Both formats can be highlighted and bookmarked. With a digital text, it is easier to save your place, as it opens immediately to that location. Yet with a hard copy, highlighting is much more memorable and enjoyable.

Each format has its quirks. Personally, I have always dreamt of owning an expansive library, and grew up with the security granted through hard copies of books. I can see myself owning an e-reader, but by far I prefer the physical comfort of books I can hold, flip through, and shelve.

Regardless, to each his own.