Phone book relevance questioned in age of technology

SALT LAKE CITY -- As Internet usage has risen dramatically over recent years, some are questioning the continued relevance of phone books in a society in which there are more Internet-enabled devices than there are people.

Both the white and yellow pages face unique challenges in a day of search engines and smartphones. The white pages, which provide a listing of telephone service subscribers, are increasingly viewed by younger generations as becoming obsolete.

"It seems like in our generation landlines are extinct, and as such, the white pages are becoming extinct," said Lane Wood, a recent Brigham Young University graduate.

Utah has one of the highest rates of cellphone usage in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Almost 91 percent of Utah households use cellphones, and a quarter do not have a land line, according to a 2011 report.

Despite their high rate of use, cellphones are not yet ubiquitous among Utah households, and directories will still include contact information for 75% of households.

The yellow pages, which provide business listings, have faced increased competition in recent years from search engines and user review websites such as Google and Yelp; however, directory-producing companies say the books remain preferable for local searches.

"Many small and local businesses don't advertise on search engines, so the print directory remains the trusted source," said Mike Anderson, president of Ziplocal, which produces Utah phone books. "We also hear all the time how the print directory is the go-to resource in time of emergency, such as when a plumber or electrician is needed."

Anderson emphasized that usage is often blended between print and digital directories, with many people doing research on the Internet before turning to their local directory to make a final decision.

Despite the directory's continued usefulness, some question if companies should continue to distribute it to every household. Most companies have implemented an opt- out program by which residents can choose to not have a directory delivered. Some Utahns believe, however, that an opt-in system would make more sense.

"So much paper and money is wasted on phone books that go largely untouched," said Wood. "If an opt-in system were implemented, only those who actually want a phone book will get one."

Wood suggested that public places such as libraries continue to make phone books accessible, for people who may "need one in a pinch." Some cities across the United States have already implemented an opt-in system.

San Francisco, the first city to introduce such a program, encountered resistance from the directory industry, which saw the program as "potentially lethal" to directory- producing companies. Some local business owners also protested the move; residents, however, were mostly supportive, according to the city's board of supervisors.

Despite the example set by cities such as San Francisco and Seattle, directory publishers hesitate to make the move from an opt-out system to one that would require residents who desire a phone book to request one, partially due to continued demand, according to Anderson.

"There is a significant portion of the population, such as seniors and people in remote areas, who do not rely on the Internet for much of their information," he said. "Even for those who do rely on the Internet more frequently -- or for the many people who don't have a smartphone -- it is not always convenient for them to go to their computer to look up an address or phone number."

Wood recognized there are times when a phone book is necessary, but believes they are largely irrelevant to Americans who are used to having digital information at their fingertips.

"I understand that not everyone has the luxury of internet," he continued. "I would say, though, at least for our generation, that phone books are about as useful as fax machines and foldable maps."

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