FUTURE OF READING

Reading is a major cultural achievement. The manipulation of written symbols has enabled humans to create and maintain a world of knowledge on paper. However, with the proliferation of digital media, long established reading habits and practices, and the place of reading and the book in society, are coming under mounting pressure. Books are losing their former centrality in the media mix, and their cultural and economic impact on individuals and society changes. Reading has long symbolised everyone's right to personal development and the freedom of opinion. While reading, whether for pleasure, work or study, certainly remains central to modern society, its nature is rapidly changing. As a result we increasingly find ourselves needing to examine what the book and reading actually are. Many reading objectives are consciously practised, such as entertainment, learning, and finding information. However, reading also has effects beyond the ones we consciously pursue. It also has the..