A Study of the Differences in Awareness and Behaviors between Electronic and Print Book Readers

Abstract

While the sales volume of electronic books (e-books) in Japan is expanding, it accounted for less than one-tenth of that of print books in 2013. In this study, our objective is to validate four hypotheses about e-book usage in order to develop strategies to promote e-book usage. We conducted a consumer survey to identify the differences between e-book and print book readers. In this study, we examine the degree of readers' interest in books in general, their awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of e-books, and the media they use for gathering information. By using a two-sample t-test, our analysis indicates that, although e-book readers are not very satisfied with print books, they are more interested in books than print-book readers. E-book readers place a higher value on the usefulness and usability of e-books than readers of print books do, while print book readers do not perceive a need for e-books in their daily lives. Further, e-book readers collect information through print books, magazines, and the Internet more frequently than print book readers do. Finally, we offer some suggestions for e-book related corporations for promoting e-book usage.