While print books have always had a special status, cyber space however, has paved the way for easy and quick transmission of information, said Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati, at the unveiling of the ‘Iran Electronic Book’ comprehensive system at the 28th Tehran International Book Fair on Friday (May 15).
The system, designed and set up by the Isra International Foundation for Revelatory Sciences, provides the opportunity to upload and download digital books from numerous publishers, IBNA reported.
Emphasizing the rapid expansion of virtual space, Jannati said, “in the past decade we witnessed dramatic developments in this field and plenty of books are presented in virtual space now.”
The initiative seeks to link local publishers and cultural figures with their peers in the world. The inclusive system is a step towards introducing Iranians’ knowledge and thoughts globally.
“We will always be in need of physical books and will never have enough of feeling and reading them. However, virtual space has provided a broad opportunity to share our knowledge with the world. All those interested in books and reading can use the information without worrying about boundaries,” Jannati said.
He also pointed to the wealth of information from outside the borders and said, “It is possible that some information may contain inappropriate and damaging material. Nevertheless, it is nothing compared to the bulk of useful information we receive, and this mutual connection is valuable for mankind.”
“This is in fact a book fair in cyber space, available for Iranians within and outside the country all through the year,” Jannati noted.
The book fair held at Tehran Mosalla (prayer ground) concluded on Saturday.
