This month’s book for San Jose Public Library’s Online Book Club is The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett. This exciting book features the author enmeshing herself in the world of rare books. The book discusses collecting, dispenses facts about rare books and details the dogged determinism of Ken Sanders in stopping a book thief. Partially set in the Bay Area, this book has a wide cross section of interest; book lovers, true crime aficionados and a dash of technology and history. Each week, we'll put forth a different question to prompt reflection on the book and its ideas.  We hope you will participate in the discussion by leaving comments below!

Question for Week 4: How will ebooks effect the status and cost of rare books?

The rapidly growing sector of ebooks is changing the nature of the publishing world. Both the major publishing houses and the few remaining retailers expect their growth in the online area, with print material declining. That should make print copies rarer through time. The status of ebooks is more in the latest and greatest of the ereaders, not necessarily the content. The well cared for rare books should maintain their value, but collectors need new people who are interested in acquiring rare books for the market to retain or increase the value. Rare books will always have a place in museums or special libraries. Perhaps there is a way to digitally emulate the look of a rare book.

See our Online Book Club page for more information about this book and previous weeks' questions