A mini mountain of books, magazines, mooks, and figures tumbled from my IKEA Billy bookcase. Let's not mention what came from my mouth. Tsk. As I scrambled to pick up the surprisingly heavy stuff, I wondered: do I really need all of this? Aren't there enough online references available? Of course, I answered myself. My paper stuff is almost as important as my figures. Maybe a few items were no longer necessary, but mostly, oh, yes. Had to have my books. And magazines. And mooks - "mooks" being those fascinating Japanese magazine-book hybrids chock full of doll reviews and sewing and diorama projects.
Not that I dismiss online reference sites. I use them, too. But ... I can't curl up with my desktop computer the way I can with a book. And if the electricity fails - as long as I have a light source, I can read or browse a book. My eyes last better reading a book than they do reading a monitor screen. Books feel more intimate than the computer.
On the other hand, computers allow for faster searches. Computers allow for wider searches and serendipitous findings. Such a find as my discovering the Mixis while seeking information about the Rebelde dolls, that would not as likely happen with books. So I wouldn't want to give up my online references either.
Best of both worlds? Use them both. And microfiche when necessary for out of date references.
And speaking of books, what kinds do you have about dolls and/or action figures? I categorize mine as identification reference, identification reference WITH price guides, craft books (aka "how to"), social commentary, or combination books.
Is there a preference for one medium over the other? I'll post a poll so that we can see.
