Devices for Reading

Ownership of dedicated E-book readers (Kindle, Nook, etc.) has dropped to 19% of U.S. adults, and 18% of those between 18 and 29 years of age, from a high of 32%. Tablet computer ownership has continued to grow, however, with 45% of adults, and 50% of those 18 to 29, owning tablets, while smart phones are now owned by 68% of adults and 86% of those 18 to 29. E-book sales have remained roughly constant at 510 million units,so the numbers suggest a movement from dedicated E-book readers to other devices.

Device data are from the Pew Research Center report Technology Ownership:2015, October 29, 2015. E-book sales data are from the Association of American Publishers.

New Seattle Bookstore

Amazon is opening a 5,500-square-foot bookstore in Seattle, with 5,000 to 6,000 discounted titles. Selections will be based on Amazon’s extensive data and will include reviews and ratings from the online site. (Seattle Times, November 2)

E-Books in France

Electronic books account for only two percent of book sales in France, according to the New York Times (Nov 2, 2015).  France, where publishers are able to fix the price of books in stores and online,  has more independent book stores than the United States.