For sure! Libraries are so underfunded these days, even at universities. No money to buy up-to-date research. And as you noted, online reading and "screen" books are not close to the real thing. And to be honest, research is much easier with a physical book. But academic books are really a scam. I mean, who pays R3000.00 for one book? I am busy writing a chapter for such a book, which will retail for that price. I will net see a cent when it gets published, having given away my research for barely nothing in return. Biggest ponzy scheme out there!
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Our local library the roof is caving in, relatively new building was pride of Toti. Burgled on many occasions with mainly computers yet the books left in a shambles, when there is no pride it cannot be produced....
For sure, it is so sad. I am always reminded by the videos that were circulating with the KZN lootings when everything was looted except the bookshop. In some sense very funny, but also sad and eye-opening.
Book stores are of no interest with few still available as once was in Malls, books mainly circulate for education or the older folk who share books in community.
There is definitely still some hope left. I found my fiance out of a million others who do not ever touch a book, and she is just as obsessed with books as I am! There is still hope.
Still book worms around that enjoy the smell and comfort of relaxing to read.
That is the hope we should keep holding onto. I am marking papers for universities at the moment and it feels like a losing battle. Nothing comes close to the sloppy stuff the youth of today expect to be marked. Stems from a lack of reading, 100%.
Education levels have dropped over the past 30 years it is actually scary! BELA law is not going to help the situation either, who in their right mind doesn't wish for well educated youth?