E-books as the future of reading or preserving printed books as the standard?

The debate between e-books and printed books reflects broader shifts in technology, culture, and education. E-books—digital versions of texts readable on devices like e-readers, tablets, and smartphones—gained popularity in the early 2000s with the rise of platforms such as Amazon Kindle and Apple Books. They offer portability, instant access, adjustable text size, built-in dictionaries, and the ability to store thousands of titles in a single device. In contrast, printed books have been the primary format for reading since the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. Physical books are tactile, collectible, and durable, and for many readers, they offer a sensory and emotional experience that screens cannot replicate. Libraries, schools, and archives around the world still rely heavily on printed materials for accessibility, preservation, and cultural continuity. The shift toward e-books has transformed publishing, education, and self-publishing. Digital formats have made books more accessible to people with disabilities and those in remote areas, while also reducing manufacturing and distribution costs. However, concerns persist over digital rights management (DRM), screen fatigue, and the lifespan of digital files and platforms. Historically, each major shift in reading—from scroll to codex, manuscript to print—has raised questions about memory, authenticity, and cultural transmission.