New Library World

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the notion of “post-literacy,” a presumption that posits reading will be transformed by electronic devices into an experience rather different than printed text readers encounter, and that, perhaps, a level of post-literacy has already been reached given the plethora of e-reading devices currently available.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by writers and researchers.

Findings – Librarians would agree that there is increasing evidence of a digital shift in the reading habits of their patrons, thus supporting the premise of a post-literate environment. In order to meet the challenge within this change environment, libraries will need to plan their collections and services expeditiously and measure their expenditures differently each year to serve a public keen on an interest in digital reading materials.

Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to consider some of the evidence suggesting that the transformation of reading from a traditional print engagement with text to a model that will be largely digital is currently underway.