Bequeathing libraries and other e-downsides

As readers of the Blue Skunk know, I have long been a fan of e-books and e-book readers for personal use. IMy Kindle and iPad reader apps get a work out on a daily basis. Nine out of ten books I buy, I buy digitally. 

Yet I have to admit there are some downsides to e-formats. Sentimental, perhaps, but negatives nonetheless.

My daughter's father-in-law has just retired. A long-time pastor, Reverend Roberts left his extensive library of religious books to his son, my son-in-law, Aaron, also a pastor. Passing on a personal library of ministerial materials, I now understand, is significant for both the giver and the receiver. Along with the books comes an acknowledgement of respect. Aaron, now that he is buying much of his reading materials as e-books, wonders what he will pass on to another generation in the ministry.

Knowing I was a regular print book buyer, my family when visiting would often raid my bookshelves. Hauling back home a dozen or more best sellers, my sister would then pass them on to my mom or brother, eventually winding up as a donation to a public library - for the collection or, more likely, the book sale fund raiser. With e-books, the physical object can no longer be shared. (I've been making a donation to the local public library in my mother's hometown to expiate my guilt.)

In visiting our district school libraries, I am completely drawn to the new physical books with their compelling book jacket art and blurbs. While they say you can't judge a book by its cover, covers are primo advertising. What is the digital equivalent of the "new book" display when materials come in e-formats? A website? A running PPT show of screenshots? Hmmmmm....

Perhaps my old school print roots are still alive and well. Were I to take you to my home office, you'd find a half dozen plastic tubs of print magazines, journals, newsletters, and books in which my articles and chapters have been published. Yes, all the drafts are still out on DropBox as Word files and probably most are in some other digital format with the publishers. But there is comfort in knowing the paper copies are tucked away. (My children can recycle them when I go to my great reward.)

Rumors of Bruce Willis's concern over his digital music collection* inheritablity perhaps spurred these thoughts. While the convenience and availability of e-books is still to me more compelling than a lack of first sale doctrine rights, one cannot help but be at least a little melancholy over the passing of an old analog passion.

 *Having the worlds worst taste in music, this is not a personal concern. The first 45 record I purchased was Lorne Green singing "Ringo." 'Nuff said. 

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