With technology constantly at our fingertips, it’s clear that the world is more digital than ever. How we absorb news, communicate with family, and pay our taxes has changed dramatically – but should your school yearbook follow suit?
Both print and digital yearbooks have their pros and cons, which can make it tricky when deciding what is right for your school. In this article, we will weigh up each medium to help you with your decision.
Print Yearbooks
Experience
There is a reason why many choose to purchase printed novels over eBooks, and why infants like to touch and taste new objects. The tactile experience of a printed book should not be underestimated, and flipping through a yearbook is hard to replicate digitally. Absorbing a book with all our senses helps us to relax and concentrate, creating a more enjoyable experience. Studies have shown that reading on a screen requires more cognitive resources and results in lower retention rates than with printed media.
Parents will love to see their child’s photo on the glossy pages of a printed book which they can cherish for years to come.
Community
A printed yearbook can easily be enjoyed with others. Students can leave handwritten messages in their classmates’ books, which creates a more personal experience. Your students can enjoy looking at their yearbook with their family in a relaxed setting, whereas a digital version may require sitting at a desk.
Exposure
A formal publication will benefit from being printed. How often have you been at a friend’s house and skimmed through a book on their coffee table? Having a sleek, well-designed book that highlights student achievements, teachers and campus facilities is great exposure for your school.
Digital Yearbooks
Convenience
A digital yearbook is both cheaper and quicker to produce than its printed counterpart. As they don’t require printing or physical distribution, you will have more time to finalise stories at the end of the school year. You don’t need to stress over margins, bleed or printing errors, and grammatical mistakes can be easily corrected.
A digital yearbook is also a great choice if budget is a concern. If your school has never had a yearbook, this is a good medium to start with. Gauge interest and gather feedback with less pressure, and consider print for next year with your new-found yearbook knowledge and experience!
Accessibility
Digital technology allows us to view content from anywhere in the world. Your students will be able to easily access their yearbook or share it with relatives overseas. Consider sharing a link on your school’s website or social media to attract new students, or for alumni to view. Spacific Creative offers unlimited shares for digital yearbooks.
Going Paperless
Environmental concerns are a good reason to ditch print, especially if your school has a strong sustainability policy. It’s important that you are producing a product that’s compatible with your school’s values, and a digital yearbook is a great way to reinforce these.
Current
People are opting for digital mediums more than ever. eBook sales have grasped a stronghold of the book sales market, due to their convenience and accessibility.
If your school is also riding the digital wave and encourages technology or student laptop use, an online yearbook might be a good fit. Your book will look brand new for years to come – not gathering dust or being destroyed by the elements.
Still Can’t Decide?
Both digital and print yearbooks have their place and purpose; it just depends on your school’s goals and limitations. Consider asking students and parents what yearbook medium they prefer, as their answers may surprise you. If you still cannot decide, reap the benefits of both and release both a digital and a print version!
Whatever option you decide is best for your school, Spacific Creative would love to be involved. View our Yearbook Options or reach out for more information.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563204000202/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/234106/e-book-market-share-worldwide/
