Printed books versus e-book formats: a study using Niche Gratification Theory

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Date
2013
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Volume Title
Publisher
University of Alabama Libraries
Abstract

The study evaluates how college students interact with different book formats. It addresses factors such as time and location to measure reading activity across printed books, e-readers, tablet devices and computer e-books. A survey of 603 college students measured factors within Niche Gratification Theory and provides a hierarchy of market strength that explains how the formats are being used. Printed books were found to have the best market strength, following by e-readers, tablet devices and computer e-books. The study also presents potential benefits of reading in each of those formats, offering reasons that students may enjoy or appreciate a format for specific purposes, such as using printed textbooks to study and take notes or an e-reader for relaxation. Results should inform the publishing industry on the status of e-books. Suggestions are given for adapting formats in light of the reading habits found here. Results suggest publishers should not make an immediate jump to e-books but should instead ease them into the marketplace slowly, as more people begin to use digital reading devices.

Description
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation
Keywords
Technical communication
Citation