The future of the printed book in the era of technological advancement: an imperative for digital innovation and engagement
Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society
ISSN: 1477-996X
Article publication date: 23 September 2021
Issue publication date: 13 December 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish the place of the printed book in the era of technological advancement with the assumption that the print media is facing imminent death in the face of readily available and convenient online information. Also the paper aims to assess how the development of new technologies have affected the production, circulation and readership of the printed book, especially among the young generation.
Design/methodology/approach
Explanatory study was used with closed-ended approach to collect data from 50 students of the Technical University of Kenya and 5 key informant interviews with selected book publishers in Nairobi. The uses and gratification theory was used to explore the knowledge-seeking behavior among the respondents.
Findings
Findings showed that more than 80% of the respondents preferred the internet to the printed book, which, according to them, has no future in the face of technological advancement. Book publishers, on the other hand, felt that the printed book has a bright future among specific audiences who are committed to it, and especially those in the rural areas who have no access to the internet. While they agreed that the internet has posed a major challenge to the sales and readership of the printed book significantly, it is helping in marketing the printed book as opposed to killing it. New bookshops in Nairobi and modern libraries in high schools, tertiary institutions and universities demonstrate that the printed book is not dying soon.
Research limitations/implications
The researcher experienced challenges in data collection as the respondents were busy preparing for final examinations and hence many of them were not willing to spare time to fill the questionnaire. To solve this, the researcher had to spend more time to collect data as opposed to if the students were free and ready to participate in the study without any pressure.
Practical implications
The findings can be used as a basis for further research to widen the scope that can help bring a wider perspective to the topic. The results can also inform policy guidelines on the topic and also contribute to the body of knowledge.
Social implications
The topic touches on social phenomena that are affecting a number of young people and their information-seeking habits in the era of digital revolution. The way the young generation seek and use information should be of interest not only to academic staff but also to policymakers.
Originality/value
The paper is original based on primary data that was collected by the researcher from the respondents. It is backed by secondary data to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to acknowledge the students of the Technology University of Kenya and selected publishers in Nairobi Country without whose cooperation and commitment, this paper could not have been possible to have it published. She also want to thank the management of Emarald Publishers whose professional input greatly improved the quality of the paper. Their patience even when she seemed not to get their point of view was remarkable.
The study which was funded by personal resources is finally coming to fruition.
Citation
Nyambane, R. (2021), "The future of the printed book in the era of technological advancement: an imperative for digital innovation and engagement", Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, Vol. 19 No. 4, pp. 537-559. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-10-2020-0106
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited