While not exclusive to academic and professional readers, this study of 800 ebook users sponsored by Ricoh with University of Colorado reinforces other current blog reports that the print book industry is seeing a small resurgence. Some key points taken from the report by Infodocket, http://www.infodocket.com/2013/12/10/study-new-study-uncovers-surprising-results-of-ebook-printed-books-trends are:
- Nearly 70 percent of consumers feel it is unlikely that they will give up on printed books by 2016.
- Consumers have an emotional and visceral/sensory attachment to printed books, potentially elevating them to a luxury item.
- Despite their perceived popularity, 60% of eBooks downloaded are never read in the US. Since 2012, the growth of eBooks has slowed significantly as dedicated eReader sales are declining, and tablet PC devices are increasingly becoming utilized for other forms of entertainment.
- College students prefer printed textbooks to eBooks as they help students to concentrate on the subject matter at hand; electronic display devices such as tablet PCs tempt students to distraction.
- Current trends reveal that while fewer copies of books are being sold, more titles are being published.
- The top three reasons consumers choose a printed book are: Lack of eye strain when reading from paper copy vs. an eBook, the look and feel of paper, and the ability to add it to a library or bookshelf.
The full report, The Evolution of the Book Industry: Implications for U.S. Book Manufacturers and Printers, can be viewed at http://www.infoprint.com/internet/comnelit.nsf/Files/ITStrategies_FINAL/$File/ITStrategies_FINAL.pdf
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