At this point, there has been a growing sentiment that new is not always better. Although the digitization of literature and media has had tremendous benefits for the sustainability and accessibility of education, the authentic experience of physical literature cannot be dismissed. Physical books and printed media offer a unique way to take in information, allowing readers to highlight, annotate and engage with the information in whatever way suits them best. These freedoms have been shown to lead to increased comprehension and academic success.
To fully evaluate the value of physical media, we must understand what differentiates it from the current digital sources available. One key distinction is the physical media’s ability to confine the reader to solely focus on the narrative it is presenting. Meanwhile, digital media struggles to block out interruptions from outside sources like notifications or popup ads.
“There’s some evidence that electronic materials can sometimes come with some extra distractions,” said Sarah Brandt, librarian for first-year programs at the Perry Castaneda Library. “You’re using them on a device most of the time that is built for other things besides reading.”
Additionally, the kinesthetic aspect of reading physical media accommodates a variety of learning styles. While digital systems offer unique solutions for visual and auditory learners, physical books provide the best tailored educational experience for kinesthetic learners who learn more with physical contact and hands-on experience.
“Physical media can (provide) an advantage by just being able to be tactile with it (and) being able to interact with your hands,” business freshman Elam Parada said.
Although it is possible to annotate through digital mediums, only printed media provides the physical sensations that create an environment of true immersion. The texture, weight and even scent of books all contribute to the reading experience. Annotating in this environment leads to stronger focus and greater comprehension.
“Even highlighting or underlining can help you dial in a little bit more to what you’re reading,” Brandt said. “Concentrating on what about this is my takeaway or what about this is most interesting to me.”
While some argue physical media works against efforts for sustainability, no waste is created if students choose to use the abundance of resources, like used books and recycled materials, already available; waste will only be generated if students choose to neglect pre-existing resources and consequently discard them. Thus, students should make an effort to utilize the collections of physical media present on campus.
“We have gigantic collections at UT,” Brandt said. “I believe the last number I heard was around 12 million print volumes.”
These collections go beyond traditional physical books. The numerous archives around campus allow students to interact with pieces of media that are themselves capsules of history, including first editions and handwritten notes. Brandt cited the Saturday Night Live collection at the Harry Ransom Center as an example
“If you want to go into an archive and see an item from the Lorne Michaels papers, it might be on display, or you can go to a reading room and touch a piece of paper that Lorne Michaels touched,” Brandt said.
As students, we should work to diversify the way we learn. Of course, it is important to incorporate the innovative benefits that digital materials provide, but do not miss out on the unique experience of working through a paperback book or combing through an 80-year-old newspaper.
Stark is a chemical engineering freshman from Orange County, California.
