Just like when the VHS gave way to DVDs, and CDs to mp3 players, it seems that books have finally made it to the cutting board. e-readers are beginning to replace trips to the bookstore and emptying the shelves stacked with novels.

Whether it is a passing trend, the newest technology fascination, or a glimpse into the future, many individuals are willing to pay the price for this portable library. The Kindle and Nook seem to be the more popular name brands of all the e-readers, however the new application presented by i-Pad for readers has offered fierce competition.

Lee Brasseur Professor for the English department is looking into purchasing her own e-reader for leisure purposes. Like many looking into the electronic books, she is weighing her options as to what product would be the best fit.

“I have talked to the people at Barnes and Noble about the Nook, I like the fact that it has color,” she explained. “However, it is still quite high priced. I am hoping the cost will go down as more people purchase them.”

The Nook’s advantage of coming in color is something that readers find to be a vital aspect to magazines and many children’s books.  The Kindle, however might be presenting something a little more valuable to students. That’s right, text books.

That was a helpful perk for Hanna Laramee, a junior who majors in Environmental Science found when she received her own Kindle after researching several different e-readers. Even though she didn’t purchase textbooks this semester, the availability helps her opt out of a trip to expensive book stores on campus.

“I did some digging to see which e-reader  I preferred and it turns out the Kindle is better bang for your buck,” she explained. “I will buy textbooks for my Kindle; it’s super convenient and cheap.”  

Amazon has teamed up with three large textbook publishers giving its readers a large variety of books required for school. This move could be saving students hundreds of dollars. Some of the e-readers are even providing the option of checking out books.  All that’s needed is a library card and even better, no late return fees.

What ever the brand consumers have been willing to buy, it seems that the advancement has had a huge impact on the publishing world. Leaving many to wonder where does that leave the future for reading? Brasseur has a theory about how e-readers will be used in the future and in her own classrooms.

“I assume eventually electronic reading will be the norm and paper books, while still around will be the exception,” said Brasseur. “I might go for academic work, as long as I can highlight passages and make notes.”

Laramee who also works at Milner Library, noted how the technology could be beneficial for business.

“It may be a fad right now; most things begin that way, especially with technology,” She said. “If libraries embrace the E-Readers, people will be more apt to use them.”

However, a cautionary note that Brasseur reminds us of is the fact that replacing any of these gadgets will cost a considerable amount more than when replacing a lost textbook.

E-Readers might not have made it into the classroom today, but they are making it into the hands of many readers who are thrilled with the purchase.  Someday soon students might be clicking a button to read more about their stories rather than turning a page.