Books may not be the easiest, fastest, or most current, but they are reliable and I think it is very important for students to be taught how to use them.
Books are here to stay.
They don't break down. They can't be deleted. When someone comes to me for reference, I try to determine what form of research they are comfortable with. Books or computers. We only have CD-ROM, not online, but if it is someone who has little experience with computers, I go to the books.