New research on ebooks and e-reading in Canada
Toronto, ON–June 23, 2014–In 2013, the majority of Canadians who read ebooks intended to read them on e-readers, but mobile reading is on the rise, according to a report released today by BookNet Canada. The Canadian Book Consumer 2013: Digital Sales and Trends is the final report in a series of three studies based on quarterly surveys conducted by BookNet Canada in 2013. The goal of this research was to study consumer book-buying patterns in depth, broken out by book genre, as well as to investigate trends in pricing tolerance, format preference (hardcover, paperback, ebook), and where and why Canadians are buying books.
Digital Sales and Trends examines ebook sales, ebook pricing, and reading on digital and mobile devices. When respondents were asked which one device they planned to use to read ebooks, the majority (ranging from 44% to 60% and averaging 53% across all four quarters of 2013) chose a dedicated e-reader. Mobile reading increased steadily and finished at 11% by the end of 2013. Pamela Millar, BookNet’s Director of Customer Relations, notes, “Although mobile devices still rank in last place out of the four types of e-reading devices surveyed, this steady growth over 2013 marks a significant increase.” In addition, at the beginning of the year, respondents who reported reading on their mobile phone were predominantly from the youngest demographic (18–29), but by the end of the year, there was a more even distribution among age groups. Mobile reading also had an effect on purchasing trends: 74% of respondents who purchased ebooks on their phones said that mobile purchasing increased the number of ebooks they bought.
BookNet Canada has published an infographic about the study’s findings on their blog. Purchasers of either of the other reports in the series, In-Depth Reader Profiles or Book Purchases by Channel, can purchase Digital Sales and Trends for 25% off. All three reports are also available in a discounted bundle. For more information on Digital Sales and Trends and to purchase a copy, please visit www.booknetcanada.ca/consumer-studies/.
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BookNet Canada is a non-profit organization that develops technology, standards and education to serve the Canadian book industry.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund (CBF) for this project. / Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada par l’entremise du Fonds du livre du Canada (FLC) pour ce projet.
Media Contact:
Joanna Karaplis
Marketing & Communications Manager
BookNet Canada
jkaraplis@booknetcanada.ca
(416) 362-5057 x. 231
