On UpstartHR.com, which appears to be a blog dedicated to the theory and practice of human resources, a blogger identified only as “Ben” has written an interesting post about how and why he reads at least one book per week. Ben believes that reading books is extremely helpful to anyone with an HR career (and, indeed, anyone in general). He explains that books can help improve you in every aspect of your life by allowing you to learn from the mistakes of others without having to make them yourself. (He also links to a site called Personal MBA, which is meant to help business executives improve themselves through directed reading rather than costly educational programs.)
Of course, if you care enough about books to be reading this blog you’re probably well aware of that already, but the thing that struck me was a paragraph from near the end of his post:
I lamented earlier this week that I’ve spent my Books a Million gift cards from Christmas already. And I’ve finished the three books I purchased. How did that happen in less than 30 days? Well, I carry my books with me wherever I go. Sitting in the car waiting on the kids to get out of school? There is time to get a few pages in. Waiting at the doctor’s office? You can read whole chapters.
Seriously, though, those little pieces add up. I spend a more concentrated 15-30 minutes each night if I can fit it in, but honestly having those little pieces here and there during the day can easily add up.
Ben never once mentions e-books in this post, but the ability to have multiple books with you at all times is one of the great advantages of the electronic format. And as Ben says, just having that book with you when you have the opportunity to steal a few minutes to peruse it can add up over time. Not to mention that, if your device has a net connection, you can be reading that new book within seconds of wanting it.
I don’t know how likely e-readers are to revive a reading interest in people who don’t care about it, but for those who enjoy it but can’t ever seem to find the time, the devices might be very helpful inasmuch as they let those erstwhile readers follow Ben’s advice. Read early, read often…read everywhere.
