The Geology and Geosciences textbook saga: printed, digital, hybrid?

Abstract

The available Internet content on the Geology of the Brazilian territory is highly limited, in contrast to the high demand for knowledge. Technological convergence allows to expand electronic repositories, by digitizing an infinity of books, journals, reports and other printed documents. The lower cost of producing, distributing and storing electronic books has generated a mild dispute between paper print books and e-books, accessible by the Internet. This article compares the advantages and disadvantages of paper, digital/electronic media or hybrid book formats. The decision criteria include: (a) didactic or technical use; (b) fleeting or lasting knowledge conveyed; (c) access and consultation; (d) interactive query; (e) estimated circulation; (f) nature of documentation; (g) insertion of animations, games and other visual/sound resources; (h) presence of high-quality images; (i) presence of color reproductions. If the premise that textbooks are fundamental in basic education and in the training of higher-level professionals is valid, we conclude that the printed book is far from being obsolete.