Australia is one of the leading markets for e-book adoption, according to Bowker Market Research's Global eBook Monitor. The study tracks consumer attitudes to and purchasing of e-books in 10 major world markets. Bowker Market Research is a service of Bowker, an affiliated business of ProQuest.
Australia ranks along with the UK and the US in adoption of e-books, with 43 percent of its online population reporting they have downloaded at least some digital content in the past six months. About a third of wired Aussies downloaded a free e-book, but 21 percent felt committed enough to the format to pay for a book.
Bowker's Global eBook Monitor revealed that majority of Australian respondents have regular and convenient access to desktop and laptop computers. More than half have access to smartphones, about a quarter are using tablets and another 10 percent have access to dedicated e-readers. The connections to devices that support e-books means the market is primed for further development.
The Global eBook Monitor seeks to track consumer purchases of e-books, and attitudes about e-books, in 10 major world markets and aims to inform the publishing industry during a critical period of change. An annual study, over time it is expected to create a unique view of market shifts in response to new digital formats. It currently operates in partnership with Pearson, Tata Consultancy Services, AT Kearney and Book Industry Study Group (BISG).
