I have always had a natural draw toward books. Like many who appreciate them, they transport me to a world of inspiration, interest, and excitement. Perhaps the influence of my parents who read constantly, with a selection of books by the bedside and had their own small library of various topics inspired me.
It always made for interesting conversations in the evenings after school. I remember my late father giving me snippets of information, well beyond my years, on Quantum Theory or where the pyramids may have come from. Possibly controversial, but as a parent myself now, I understand that these were topics made to make me think.
Then, my university years came, and so did the internet. A new, scary and advanced means to find information. I have to admit, albeit young, I'm not sure I was ready for this change. (However, I wouldn't be writing this to you without it, so I'm certainly grateful now!)
Without a doubt, it has made life easier, the world smaller, and information more readily available. At the click of a button, you can find anything you need, anywhere in the world. I'm not sure we could live without the internet as a human race now. Though there is something wonderful, tactile, relaxing, and engaging about picking up a book.
I was recently researching space and time for a book I'm writing and instead of using Google (other search engines are available - or are they? Hmmm?!) I thought I would go back to the source of information from over a hundred years ago, the Chambers Encyclopedia.
I am fortunate that this full set of books was gifted to my father many years ago. Growing up, he would always search on our behalf. However, this time, in opening the wonderful pages myself, some 30-odd years later, it was a lovely feeling. The smell and the touch of the fragile pages. The excitement of what I may find and as the title page promises, 'A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge for the People', it was a perfect afternoon, engaging with thoughts from the past.
Google v Books? To be honest, I'm not sure I can choose 100% as there are merits for both in our fast-paced world. Online searching is the quickest and most efficient whether via laptop, desktop, or mobile devices; however, for me, searching for the book that will hold the information I seek will always be my preferred and more exhilarating solution.
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