Crossing the digital rubicon : from print books to e-books and beyond

Abstract

When Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River in 49 BC, he proceeded past the point of no return with uncertain and unpredictable consequences for his and Rome’s future. In the 21st century, we are crossing a digital Rubicon from print to digital culture. The digitization of information resources, practices and infrastructures is being embraced by many, including librarians, readers and writers. But as we cross the digital Rubicon, moving away from a print past toward a digital future, the consequences and effects of such a change remain unclear. Like Julius Caesar, we cannot fully ascertain or really predict what the implications of these changes will ultimately be. [excerpt]