05-18-12 Readership of eBooks increased 24% during the 2011 holiday season, according to the Pew Research Center (calculations by Research Alert).
In mid-December 2011, 17% of U.S. adults had read an eBook during the previous 12 months; by February 2012, that number had risen to 21%. As of February 2012, nearly three in 10 Americans (29%) owned at least one specialized device for reading eBooks, including eReaders and tablets.
People who read eBooks tend to be more active readers in general than those who don’t read eBooks.
Nearly nine in 10 people who have read eBooks in the past year (88%) have also read printed books during that time. Readers of eBooks have read an average of 24 books (in any format) in the past year, compared with 15 books read by those who don’t read eBooks.
More than four in 10 tablet owners (41%) and 35% of owners of eReaders say they spend more time reading now than they did before they owned these devices.
Those who read both eBooks and printed books find both formats appealing for different reasons. eBooks are considered better for traveling or commuting, and readers appreciate being able to get new eBooks quickly. Printed books are preferred for reading to children or sharing books with others.
Six in 10 readers of eBooks (61%) and 54% of readers of print books prefer to buy their books rather than borrow them from a library or other source. The majority of audiobook users, on the other hand, prefer to borrow these books (61%).
Owners of e-readers and or tablets are more likely than Americans overall to seek out book recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers; online bookstores and other websites; and staff in physical bookstores.
Source: “The Rise of E-Reading,” April 5, 2012, Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, Lee Rainie, Director, 1615 L St., NW, #700, Washington, DC 20036; 202-419-4500; info@pewinternet.org; www.pewinternet.org. Price: Available online at no charge.
© Copyright 2012, EPM Communications, Inc. May not be reproduced without written consent of publisher.