An interactive book database generally allows a reader to search for books that have been leveled in the archive using either the reading recovery or guided reading methodologies.
This database is searchable by various criteria. This includes:
Search by English Title
Search by Spanish Title
Search by Publisher
Search by Author
Search by Subject Keyword
There are individual databases according to genres of writing and also according to the writers. For instance, the Internet Book Database of Fiction (IBDoF) is an online database for books, mostly works of fiction. IBDoF hosts a message board specifically designed for the discussion of books. The Database currently holds information for over 33900 books and 4460 authors, the community consists of roughly 1147 active members, along with over 109000 articles in over 5400 topics.
Some would argue that books will never be threatened by the Internet. After all, the demise of books in its traditional form was prematurely announced with the advent of television.
Yet more books are published after TV became a mainstay of modern living. Today, book publication sees no sign of abating. A book is published every 30 seconds. If you look at the Harry Potter phenomenon you will realise that, Internet or no Internet, 265 million copies of her last five titles have been sold "traditionally".
But what Amazon and Google are looking at is the future of books on the Net. One can never know what will happen. Yes, bookstores feverishly argue they offer a personal touch the Net can't provide. But, remember, lifestyles change.
Who would believe used book sales on the Internet in the US alone are now worth RM2.3 billion? Remember, online purchases eliminate at least 30 per cent of the commission charged by distributors and booksellers. In short, it is easier and cheaper. Others would argue that a bookshop is not just about touching, browsing and buying books. It is about tradition and culture.
Noble intentions, yes, but the Net users of today do not carry such baggage. Today there is such a thing as window shopping online. And consumers are truly kings and queens. They surf, they like, they buy.
It is a good idea for the book people to promote e-books. The Internet is embraced by the young. In fact, that is the only medium for many of them. The book industry should take advantage of the Net boom.
Traditionalists would certainly balk at the idea of replacing good old books with digital pages. But the future is already here. Perhaps it is time to think of the Internet as our solution to the problems bedeviling the book industry today.