Online books: Are they the solution to decreasing readership of books?

Online books, as argued by many are being eyed as the solution for tackling the decreasing readership of books, especially in India.

With the advent of technology, lowering down of data tariff and cheap devices has increased the penetration of internet and is set to increase in years to come. But does that mean that it will bring back the readers to their books?

It really means that with the availability of online books readers can buy books online through the online bookstores with just a click. It is also true that the decreasing cost of devices, decreasing data tariff has made it easier to buy books online even for the reader sitting in the remotest corner of the country through the online bookstores.

But does it really mean that online books are the solution to the problem of decreasing readership (if any) of the books?

Ah! To be fair first of all, I don’t feel that there has been decrease in readership, rather with the availability of online books and thousands of online bookstores with option to buy books online, there has been a significant increase in the readership. And, now if we believe that there is a significant increase in readership due to availability of online books, it is clear that the option to buy books online is really playing a crucial role in increasing the readership.

But what I feel, is not just the books, but we in India need some great entrepreneurs who can create such sustainable, affordable and easy to use ebook readers which could be accessible to the end users. In a country like ours, products like Kindle cannot be the only solution to increase ebooks readerships, moreover, what I personally think, is ebook segment can get a major push if decent ebook readers are available at prices between Rs 1000 to 1500. Yes, it may sound to be getting too, cheap but I feel it to be fact.

The real fruit of the availability of the online books, dynamic online bookstores, and option to buy book online will only be available if we are able to work out some really good, decent and CHEAP ebook readers. It’s like when we are able to convert an E book reader as an essential item of a student’s stationary, only then will we see the real impact of availability of online books, the innovative online bookstores, and options to buy books online.

Till then lets workout!

Happy Reading!