I grew up a reading maniac. At seven, I was allowed an adult library card at our librabry because every week I checked out the limit of eight books and liked science, history and novels.
When I left home at seventeen to go into the military, I left enough books to fill up nearly a quarter of my room stacked a third of the way to the ceiling. I had to leave them at home and eventually my mom donated them to the library--I had nowhere to store them while away. Ironically, on-board ship it was noticed that I read so much they asked me to take over as the ship's librarian.
When I got out, I didn't have a lot of time to read or the cash to buy a library but still grabbed an occasional new novel or even "window shopped" at the library or bookstore in the mall.
Then I got married a few years later and the reading rainbow was over.
A couple of years back, I got an iPad and, man...I may go bankrupt from buying books again. I am completely addicted.
I used to print out technical manuals because I hated reading them on-screen but with a tablet I have my entire library with me wherever I go. You can touch reference words, bookmark, etc. and mine is backlit with customizable backgrounds.
I'd really encourage you to do it.
If you manage to carve a little niche and your books are inexpensive you can actually get a following and make money. Check out the iBooks or Amazon terms of service--they are incredible compared to publishers.
Calibre will do the job.
Post back some time and tell us how it goes. Being "industry connected" you have a good chance of success if you work at it.
