| Abstract [eng] |
The object of the present thesis is a digital book, its users and peculiarities of reading it. Penetration of modern information technologies into various spheres of public life is creating a new environment in which a person needs to acquire specific skills and, at the same time, not to lose creativity and intellectuality as well as to adhere to certain norms of public life. A digital book opens vast opportunities in the field of science, business and leisure. Progress in information technologies and their application are frequently taking place at a greater speed than the development and adjustment of human skills, so the situation with information technologies, including a digital book, sometimes becomes rather complicated. The aim of the thesis is to analyse the specific features of a digital book, the opportunities provided by it and tendencies of functioning, the text of a digital book, ways of reading it and public expression as well as the situation with the choice between a traditional book and a digital book in Lithuania. The thesis raises the following tasks: to define the main peculiarities of a digital book, their technology; to reveal the importance of digital libraries and book stores; to present guidelines for new reading opportunities; to determine dependence of interest in reading on the characteristic of a text; to conduct a survey „Which book would you choose – a traditional or digital one?“ according to a prepared questionnaire; to analyse and assess the situation with the choice made between a traditional or digital book by readers (in Lithuania); to analyse priorities for selecting a traditional or digital book. The use of the method of analysis of literature and documents has allowed to draw a conclusion that the appearance and development of a digital book are bringing about inevitable change in the traditions existing in society. The use of a digital book should be related to an increasing role of information and new opportunities. The thesis analyses digital book technologies, reading means and resources. It also considers the importance of digital book libraries in the process of information, development of the knowledge society, attraction of scientific potential, and providing wider possibilities which encourage the public to improve and to create a more promising future of the country. Promotion of reading and dissemination of information about printed books are among the main goals of public libraries. Investment in libraries and establishment of digital libraries is the most profitable and best investment in the future. The thesis looks into the reading of a digital text, conditions of the new way of reading and identifies guidelines for the improvement of literacy. The availability and convenience of a digital book determine its greater popularity among by the public. The application of advanced computer technologies provide possibilities and conditions for a person to live in the information society and to foster information culture as well as information knowledge. The survey „Which book would you choose – a traditional or digital one?“ conducted with the help of the questionnaire method has revealed the current situation with the spread and application of a digital book in Lithuania. The thesis could be useful for libraries, publishers or other organisations in the book business facing current changes in the global economy. It could also be useful for the specialists and researchers interested in the introduction of new technologies and forecasting of future developments in this field. |
