This is a good question. In addition to what has also been observed, there is a bit more to add.

An e-book looms as a supplement having a complementary role in giving us access to research tracts. This complementary role reinforces research efforts rather than providing an alternative. The word alternative suggests using the one (namely, e-books) instead of the other (namely, printed books).

In reality, a pdf file for a book such those that can be downloaded from Springer or a Gutengerg e-book such as Newton's 1704 Opicks:

Newton, I.: Opticks: or, A Treatise of the Reflexions, Refractions, Inflexions

and Colours of Light. Also Two Treatises of the Species and Magniture of

Curvilinear Figures. Sam. Smith, and Benj. Walford, Printers to the Royal

Society, London, UK (1704). 211pp

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/33504

In sum, e-books are a step forward, not an alternative, to printed books.

Yes, e-book is a successful alternative to a paper book especially for online people.

The paper book has a special advantage, but the e-book provided a facility for the researcher and the student to obtain it and information ...

Thanks Arvind Singh

Thanks Zainab A Makawi

Thanks Fateh Boutekkouk

Personally, I think e-books have a lot more reach, more quickly disseminated, and thus probably more overall impact. They should be cheaper and don't take up space. They are certainly more environmentally friendly. I do like paper copies because that's what I was familiarized with, and, I write a lot of notes in them. There's a certain tactile psychological satisfaction and aesthetic appreciation of actual books as well. You can argue they're easier to carry and read in cars, buses, trains, boats, etc. than a computer screen in many cases, but maybe not as convenient as a smaller hand-held device. I also like giving and receiving printed books - there's a different kind of social intimacy about it that I appreciate. Carrying several books in my backpack all the time also keeps me fit (true). On the other hand, e-books are much more searchable - I find this convenience especially important when I'm doing research. Overall, e-books are much better and inevitably will replace almost all traditional publications. Despite my nostalgic appreciation of printed material, it's probably for the best for many reasons. Also, think about how much wasted print and millions of unread and discarded books of the past. The amount of waste is actually fairly shameful. In fact, less people go to news stands or bookstores - mostly just download or use their apps. This trend will keep increasing. Libraries will eventually become museums once most past literature, documents, maps, etc. are digitized (it's already happening/happened).

Thanks Enamul Kabir

Thanks David Kyle Latinis

This is a good question. In addition to what has also been observed, there is a bit more to add.

An e-book looms as a supplement having a complementary role in giving us access to research tracts. This complementary role reinforces research efforts rather than providing an alternative. The word alternative suggests using the one (namely, e-books) instead of the other (namely, printed books).

In reality, a pdf file for a book such those that can be downloaded from Springer or a Gutengerg e-book such as Newton's 1704 Opicks:

Newton, I.: Opticks: or, A Treatise of the Reflexions, Refractions, Inflexions

and Colours of Light. Also Two Treatises of the Species and Magniture of

Curvilinear Figures. Sam. Smith, and Benj. Walford, Printers to the Royal

Society, London, UK (1704). 211pp

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/33504

In sum, e-books are a step forward, not an alternative, to printed books.

The answer to this question has a personal basis and people are divided in taking side with either of the alternatives. To many , e book is certainly better, but for those who prefer permanence and like to feel and touch the pages they read , paper book is preferable.

Thanks James F Peters

Thanks Reza Biria

Printed books have their charm... I enjoy touching them while reading. I also love the smell of the ink and paper of the freshly printed book... I like high-quality paper and always look how the book was printed. Nevertheless, e-books are fine for travel: miles away from home, you cannot take your library with you, but uploaded epubs and pdfs will make your journey a bit more comfortable and cozy...

Thanks Polina Lemenkova