Computer and Library Learning (Archived)

Amazon.com announced yesterday that its sales of electronic books outstripped those of print books. Since April 1, 2011, Kindle e-book sales were 105 for every 100 hardcover or paperback books sold. Nonetheless, e-book sales comprise only 14% of total sales of general consumer fiction and nonfiction titles. Previously, Amazon’s digital book sales surpassed physical book sales on Christmas Day in 2009.

The Association of American Publishers reported yesterday that March 2011 saw increased sales in the American book publishing industry in both digital and print books in relation to the March 2010 figures. E-book sales increased by 145.7% over March 2010 sales. Adult paperbacks were the top selling print category at $115.9 million, followed by adult hardcover at $96.6 million, e-books at $69 million, religious books at $63.5 million and adult mass market at $55.2 million. Adult hardcover net sales revenue increased by 6% in March 2011 over March 2010 while the adult mass market category’s sales went up by 1.2%.

The debate continues over the survival of the book as a viable format. In fact, one thing going for the book is its “permanence” over other formats that are subject to changing technology, according to Andrew Irvine of the University of British Columbia. The Stir (blog) offers “5 Ways E-Readers Can't Compete With Books”, including the importance of libraries and bookstores for browsing purposes as well as tactile contact with a physical book. Commentary magazine offers two sides of the debate with “The End of Books” by John Podhoretz and a contrary viewpoint response by D.G. Myers.