Scriptures — Hard Copy vs Digital

I may be preaching to the choir here because you are using a digital device to read this post and then, most likely, using the Gospel Library for your scripture study.

But in the off chance you prefer to use your hard copy of the scriptures, I ask you to consider the following information. The rest of you will find this information of interest to use to help other hard copy users in your center of influence.

First, one does not need to choose between a hard copy of the scriptures or the Gospel Library; they are not exclusive; they work very well alongside each other.

As one studies the scriptures, taking notes is vital; recording revelation and insights is a powerful tool in the learning process. Revelation received shows that one values what was received and will encourage further revelation.

Richard G. Scott advised, “Inspiration carefully recorded shows God that His communications are sacred to us. Recording will also enhance our ability to recall revelation.” (Ensign, May 2012, 46.)

Recording insights helps to make connections and deepen doctrinal understanding.

Creating a note is only one-half of the equation; the ability to quickly recall them in context is the other half.

Handwritten notes tend to be left in the past. Locating the written word is difficult to find and time-consuming.

Digital notes can be found in seconds in the Gospel Library because they are indexed and the notes are attached to content.

In addition, the Library offers other advantages that are not available with a hard copy of the scriptures.

Tagging content helps in inferential learning; making connections of different situations and encourages understanding. Tagging also creates a personal topical guide, which makes it easy to recall information for teaching and creating talks.

Linking content makes it effortless to connect with other content in helping to deepen understanding.

One can also create notebooks to help organize and clarify doctrine and principles, and as with notes everything is indexed for quick retrieval and can be linked to content.

So, if you are only using your hard copy of the scriptures, I encourage you to give the Gospel Library a chance.

It is not difficult to learn and there are plenty of people in every Ward that can you help you to quickly become a pro.