Will there be Archival Allergens too?

This story appeared in the Globe and Mail today and adds another dimension to the "e-books stink" discussions some of us may or may not have been having of late. According to this story, "Six out of 10 students...preferred buying used textbooks over new or electronic textbooks even though e-books are generally a third less expensive. E-books sales have been slow to take off." A study suggested that "43 percent of students identified smell, either a new or old smell, as the quality they most liked about books as physical objects." And, in an attempt to persuade college students to try e-textbooks, Web site CafeScribe.com on Wednesday said it was launching "the world's first smelly e-book.""CafeScribe Chief Executive Bryce Johnson said that from September the company will send every e-textbook purchaser a scratch and sniff sticker with a musty "old book" smell." Interesting. I do wonder if those of us who use digital archives will be offered a vial of allergens to help replicate the full archival experience of itchy eyes, runny noses and hives. Just thinking about it is making me itchy.