Shabrina Sharmin

The central library serves as the primary academic resource center for universities, offering essential books, newspapers, magazines, and journals tailored to students’ learning needs across various departments and institutions. For instance, Rajshahi University Central Library, Dhaka University Central Library,

BUP Library, BUET Central Library, and similar institutions provide a wide range of resources. Despite this wealth of physical materials, it has become increasingly common for students to use mobile phones, laptops, or tablets for reading while in the library, with physical books and periodicals often left beside them. This shift has grown in tandem with the widespread availability of internet access and digital resources.

While reading e-books at hostels, halls, or at home may stem from a lack of necessary materials or personal preference, the same behavior is observed in the central library due to reasons such as laziness in locating a particular book, not finding the desired book, or simply preferring digital content. The trend of opting for e-books and digital content over physical books and printed materials presents both advantages and disadvantages that impact students' physical and mental well-being.

One significant advantage of e-books is the ease of access to information. With just a few clicks, students can quickly find the materials they need, saving valuable time. Additionally, digital content often offers more detailed explanations, videos, and interactive elements that make complex topics more understandable. E-books also facilitate the process of finding vocabulary while reading, further enhancing the learning experience.

However, there are notable disadvantages to reading e-books, particularly regarding students' health and concentration. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven academic environment, many students overlook the negative physical effects associated with prolonged screen time. The blue light emitted by screens can cause eye strain, headaches, and general discomfort. Another significant drawback is the tendency for digital devices to create distractions, leading students to deviate from their academic tasks in favor of social media, videos, or other digital entertainment. This shift not only reduces focus but can also negatively affect mental health. Prolonged use of digital screens for reading can result in physical discomfort such as eye strain and headaches, making it difficult for students to maintain focus for extended periods.

Research has shown that reading physical books and printed materials, such as newspapers, magazines, and journals, tends to improve understanding and retention of information more effectively than reading from screens. Unlike e-books, physical books do not emit blue light, which helps reduce eye strain and enables students to concentrate for longer periods. Additionally, the sensory experience of reading a physical book—such as the tactile feel of the paper, the act of turning pages, and the ability to annotate directly in the text—cannot be replicated by digital formats.

While e-books and digital content offer convenience and ease of access, physical books and printed periodicals are better suited for promoting long-term focus, comprehension, and retention. Therefore, it is advisable for students to prioritize physical books and printed materials whenever available, as they facilitate sustained concentration and deeper understanding

The writer is a student of Institute of Education and Research, University of Rajshahi.