The benefits of reading physical books

If you’re a college student, you’ve probably debated between using a physical book or an e-book for class. My guess is you opted for the e-book. Physical books are heavy and take up space in a crowded dorm. Opening your laptop to read between classes is much easier than carting a textbook around only to discover you brought the wrong book for a class. A lot of times, e-books are just easier.

But if you’re like me, you’re partial to the traditional book. There’s something special about holding a real book in your hands. Flipping through the pages feels more satisfying than scrolling. Checking how far you’ve read at the end of every chapter is more fun than glancing at the percentage you’ve read. Snapping a hard cover shut and placing it on the shelf after completion is more empowering than closing the tab. 

In a university setting, a number of reasons exist for choosing the e-book. In a study discussing e-readers as a learning tool, Andrew Goodwyn noted that e-books are typically cheaper, have adjustable font sizes and can all be stored in one place. Some e-books have word definitions linked to difficult words. Mara Rojeski surveyed a group of college students and found that 78% view accessibility as the most appealing feature of e-books. Tablets are portable, and you probably have your laptop with you most of the time, anyway. 

But there are cons to e-books. Some people report that they are less able to comprehend material read from an electronic copy, according to an article by Nicole Johnston. It is also easier to get distracted or develop eyestrain while reading from a digital device, and page numbers in e-books do not always align with their traditional counterparts, making citing a source more confusing. Of course, if your technology fails, your book will too. 

Some students prefer reading printed textbooks because they lead to better reading comprehension. Annotating and highlighting are simple, as well as finding notes again when necessary. Some class subjects are better understood when read on paper. 

You are probably well acquainted with MindTap or SmartBook, digital tools used frequently in general education courses. Professors build them into courses even though students often dislike them — speaking from personal experience, that is. Using the interactive e-book for class is frequently cheaper and less draining than scanning a massive textbook, but it holds its own vices. With e-books, I find it easier to zone out or only read for the answers. Zoning out while reading a physical book is always possible, but it happens less often. 

You may be a freshman discovering what college classes entail, or you might be an avid reader who stays up until 2 a.m. every night. Whatever the case, there comes a time for every student to consider whether an e-book or a printed book is best. Both have pros and cons. Your personal preferences and learning style play a part in making that choice. 

If my opinion could sway your decision, I would encourage you to try the print book. It is easier to read, prettier to look at and more fulfilling to read through. It may not always be the most convenient choice, but it is always the most satisfying one.

Westling is an opinion writer for the Liberty Champion.