The actors of the book chain in the digital age (Policy Briefs 270 - 271 - 272 - March 2012)
To identify ways to develop the digital book in France while preserving the value of the book chain and editorial diversity of French publishing, The Centre d’analyse stratégique conducted a series of 3 policy briefs with proposals, each centered on one of the actors in the book chain, in partnership with the National Book Centre:
The digital book has yet to take off in France (only 1% of the market share), whereas it represents 15% of book sales in the U.S. and 10% in Britain. Nevertheless, major changes are about to occur: the digital book will challenge the traditional book chain and its actors (authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians). This does not mean that we will stop reading books on paper in the future, but digital books will multiply thanks to the unwavering success of tablets and touch pads: 15 million iPads were sold worldwide in the last quarter of 2011 alone, 450,000 touch pads were sold in France during the month of December alone.
The digital book offers several advantages:
- Rapid access: the ability to download the book of your choice within a few seconds.
- Reading is customizable thanks to ergonomic choices (including font) or by using the features included (dictionary). A new way to read texts with the so-called "enriched" format, which includes sound, video, and picture.
- The presentation of different types book genres varies. Textbooks such as novels, essays or books on social studies, are easily displayable on the tablet. However, a practical book such as an art book with illustrations and photos, does not adapt well to the screen and reading light. The tablet is most certainly not advantageous if a book is to be considered as a beautiful gift. We were mostly interested in literature and social studies books for the research on digital books.
• Authors of Policy Brief 270 - The authors and publishers
Loncle Thomas, Bar of Paris; Sarah Sauneron, Department of Social Affairs; Vielliard Francis, Department of Sustainable Development and Julien Winock, The Strategic Intelligence Unit
• Authors of Policy Brief 271 - Bookstores
Vielliard Francis, Department of Sustainable Development and Julien Winok, The Strategic Intelligence Unit
• Author of Policy Brief 272 - Public libraries
Vielliard Francis, Department of Sustainable Development
Press Contact:
Jean-Michel Roullé, Head of Communications
Tel. 01 42 75 61 37 - jean-michel.roulle@strategie.gouv.fr
Les ressources
- The press in the digital age: how to add value to information? (Policy Brief 253 - November 2011)