According to new research three quarters of adults in the UK prefer to read books in their traditional form rather than use an e-reader or tablet, but the majority of these still choose to make their books purchases online.
All respondents who stated that they read regularly were asked whether they prefer reading books in traditional hard copy or using technology (e-readers, tablets or smartphones).
Only 22% indicated that they prefer to read books using modern-day technology such as e-readers, with 5% stating that they did not have a preference, leaving 73% who stated that they prefer to read books in the traditional hard copy format.
The reasons for choosing a book were also investigated and the following results are:-
- Sense of accomplishment – 55%
- Page turning experience of reading a physical book – 47%
- Nostalgia associated with reading – 41%
- Like to share/discuss books with friends – 32%
- Treat books as a collectable item – 25%
The method of buying books indicated a preference for on-line purchasing as most got cheaper prices although over a third liked to go to high street chains to browse and the rest used independent retailers; so the High Street still has a hold in the book market.
A spokesman from vouchercloud said:
“As a nation, Britain has a deep and rich history in literature, books and reading, so it is nice to see that this nation of book lovers is refusing abandon the paper book. Obviously, there are times when these e-readers and tablet can be fantastic for reading, such as travelling, going on holiday and even those that can be used in the dark.”
“Nothing quite beats the sense of accomplishment of finishing a volume, keeping it or passing it on to friends, I am impressed that the British public still uses the independent shops in the country; this is where the book trade began and should always have a place alongside the bigger retailers.”
Do you use an e reader or electronic device or do you prefer the physical book? Please let us know how and what you read. Ed.
