There are services and databases, where you can get articles and even full books online - usually thru university and library services - the pages are scanned into the system, and you can read online.
Taking up this idea…
What is your reaction to the idea that all books be transformed from book form into a computer/internet form? Would you still prefer to read a physical book, or would you prefer to read a book over the internet?
I’m talking about all types of books - fiction and nonfiction - pleasure reading, or academic/work-related reading, etc
Reading books online is not the same as reading a printed copy. Online reading is more kinda mindless and attention span or focus is not that strong. Articles however are different story because they are not that long. You'd notice that you get something more out of a shorter article vs a many pages long article for the same reason.
I prefer reading physical books than the ones online. I tend to lose interest much faster online than when reading a physical book (barring the course textbooks of course). Besides, I like to keep books for reference and sort of like to collect them as well.
I prefer physical books, because then you can sit on the couch or your bed and relax with your book. Even with a laptop it's not as relaxed as with a book. You have to be careful not to drop the laptop by accident.
But on the other hand, on internet it's free. You don't have to buy everything you want to read or run to the library.