The Rise of eReading

ePubDirect reporting: Recent research by the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project that looked a the public’s general reading habits has shown up some stats in favour of eBooks.
2,986 Americans aged 16 and older were surveyed between November and December 2011 and further surveyed in January 2012 to demonstrate the shift in eBook adoption during the Christmas Holiday period.
Key Findings 

• One fifth of American adults reported that they had read an eBook in the past yeaer- this percentage jumped 4% over the Christmas period.
• 88% of those who read an eBook in the past 12 months also read printed books.
• eBook readers read more books than printed book readers.
• Ownership of original eBook reader, such as Kindle, jumped from 10% in December 2011 to 19% in January 2012.
• 28% of Americans age 18 or older own at least one specialised device for eReading.
• Those who read eBooks are more likely to be under age 50, have some college education and live in households earning more than $50,000.

When questioned about the types of eReading devices.  eBook reading happens across an array of devices, including smartphones. 42% read on a computer, 41% read on original ereading devices such as Nook or Kindle, 29% consume books on a mobile phone and 23% consume on a tablet device.
When it comes to format preferences:
“As a rule, dual-platform readers preferred eBooks when they wanted to get a book quickly, when they were traveling or commuting, and when they were looking for a wide selection. However, print was strongly preferred over e-books when it came to reading to children and sharing books with others. When asked about reading books in bed, the verdict was split: 45% prefer reading e-books in bed, while 43% prefer print.”

Some interesting trends and good insights into how reading is evolving. Read the full report from Pew Research here.
http://www.epubdirect.com/index.php/the-rise-of-ereading/