E-book readers are showing an increased loyalty to and satisfaction with the digital format, according to Book Industry Study Group’s (BISG) Consumer Attitudes Toward E-Book Reading survey.

Results of the BISG survey show that nearly half of print book consumers who have also acquired an e-book in the past 18 months would wait up to three months for the e-version of a book from a favorite author, rather than immediately read it in print. A year ago, only 38% said they would wait that long.

“The e-book market is developing very fast, with consumer attitudes and behaviors changing over the course of months, rather than years,” said Angela Bole, BISG’s deputy executive director. “This ongoing BISG baseline study of consumer behavior toward e-books and e-book reading devices is absolutely essential to every stakeholder in the book industry who wants to stay ahead of the trends.”

Kelly Gallagher, vice president of publishing services at Bowker, said: “As e-books become the primary reading format for many consumers in the coming months and years, it will be essential for the publishing community to understand consumers’ individual preferences and desires in order to connect with them.”

Survey results show that “power buyers” are spending more. More than 46% of those who say they acquire e-books at least weekly—considered “Power Buyers” by surveyors—reported that they have increased their dollars spent for books in all formats, compared with 30.4% of all survey respondents.

Amazon.com continues to be the preferred source for e-books, holding steady at 70%, and e-book information (44%). Barnes & Noble comes in second at 26%, with Apple in third.

Additionally 75% of respondents reported being satisfied with their e-reading device, including more than 38% of respondents who reported being “very satisfied.”

Data for the Consumer Attitudes Toward E-Book Reading survey series was derived from a nationally representative panel of 750 e-book consumers, including men, women and teens.

Click here for more information on the BISG survey.

Christian Retailing is conducting its own Vital Signs survey on the subject. Watch for the report in the January 2012 issue.

• Prev
• Next