The Meaning of Reading: Fiction and Public Libraries

With the widespread advent of access to digital collections via schools, universities, public libraries, and home computers there sometimes comes a sense of a perceived dichotomy between "real" reading which involves the codex book, and "virtual" reading which takes place on a video display terminal. Reading, both basic literacy and recreational reading for experienced readers, is a significant aspect of librariansʹ roles and of the publicʹs perception of the libraryʹs role. Therefore, the act of reading and the role of reading in peopleʹs lives is a topic that warrants study and reflection.