Publishers' Responses to the E-Book Phenomenon: Survey Results from Three 'Small Language' Markets

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    • Availability:
      Thomas D. Wilson. 9 Broomfield Road, Broomhill, Sheffield, S10 2SE, UK. Web site: http://informationr.net/ir
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      39
    • Subject Terms:
    • ISSN:
      1368-1613
    • Abstract:
      Introduction: This paper reports on a study of publishers' attitudes towards e-books in the context of the global situation of e-book publishing. Comparative data are drawn from a replication of a survey carried out in Sweden, in Lithuania and in Croatia. Method: A self-completed questionnaire survey was undertaken, offering respondents the choice of a printed questionnaire or a response through an online SurveyMonkey alternative. Analysis: Quantitative analysis was performed using the descriptive statistics capability of SurveyMonkey. Results: The three country survey reveals a number of similar responses from publishers on several key issues, i.e., self-publishing, the future role of bookshops, and relationships with public libraries. The results also reveal that publishers have a certain ambivalence on these issues. Conclusion: In "small language" markets, the take-up of e-books represents a much smaller proportion of total sales than in the English language market. Responses to questions on publishers' relationships with authors, booksellers and libraries show a high degree of unanimity of opinion. [Paper presented at the Information Seeking in Context (ISIC): The Information Behaviour Conference, Part 1 (11th, Zadar, Croatia, September 20-23, 2016).]
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Number of References:
      55
    • Publication Date:
      2016
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1123241