Introduction
The virtues of reading no longer need to be demonstrated in a world where the basic values common to humanity are disappearing. Despite its pedagogical contribution to our education systems, its moralization of public life and even its contribution to the national economy, the book industry is in serious trouble in this digital age because of the omnipresence of social networks which constitute the favorite pastime of young people nowadays. How and why does the book industry need to adapt in these digital times?
Opportunities
The book industry represents a major challenge for our country. It contributes to the reconstitution and preservation of our cultural and intangible heritage through the stories told in literary productions. Titinga Fréderic Pacéré’s “Le langage des tams-tams et des masques en Afrique” (The language of tam-tam and masks in Africa) is concrete proof of the contribution of books to the reaffirmation of African identity. As Pierre Dumayet once said: “Reading is the means to live many lives”. Thus, reading enables people not only to make a living from their art, but also to live happily with various knowledge. Digital technology has undoubtedly put the book industry to the test, but is proving to be an opportunity to be seized in order to boost this sector and restore the taste for reading among the undecided.
“Digital opportunities for the development of the book industry in Burkina Faso” was the theme of the 17th edition of the Ouagadougou International Book Fair (FILO), held in the capital of Burkina Faso from November 23 to 26, 2023. Coincidence or not, the choice of this theme demonstrates the Burkinabe government’s desire to combine digital technology and writing for the well-being not only of those involved, but also of the national economy. The book industry creates jobs for computer scientists who create digital libraries, and also for many citizens through professional bookshops. Writing and digital technology are therefore complementary for the advent of a more ethical world where life is good.
Limits
On social networks, literary reviews of works are published, leading people to believe that they are the original work. As a result, spelling and grammatical errors are generally innumerable in the various texts. This betrays even the spirit of reading, which is to train the mind in reasoning, but also to enable the reader to master the rules of a good literary production. As if that weren’t enough, PDF files are being shared in WhatsApp, Telegram and Facebook groups, in total violation of authors’ intellectual property rights, which is having a negative impact on the economic life of artists. Despite the difficulties that punctuate the sector, digital technology is an opportunity to be seized for the economic and social development of our countries.
Conclusion
Digital technology is a must in the 21st century, but it’s also a must in the world of writing, as it enables us to read anytime and anywhere. Given the opportunities offered by digital technology to the book industry, which transcend its limits, the various players involved should adapt to take advantage of them.
