The e‐book industry today: a bumpy road becomes an evolutionary path to market maturity

Abstract

Purpose

To provide a snapshot picture of the current e‐book industry from the perspectives of various key individuals in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Over 20 interviews were conducted following an extensive review of the published literature and examination of product/technical information.

Findings

The interviews revealed varying opinions on the current state of the industry and even on the definition of the e‐book industry itself. Key issues identified include: standards, digital rights management, content availability, pricing, device/reader technology, integration and market development.

Research limitations/implications

This industry is still relatively young, generally marking its beginnings in 2000; however, its early years have been marked by market hype, investor fallout and slow market development. Today's industry is at a pivotal point: can obstacles to maturity be overcome or will the industry be either subsumed by the larger consumer electronics or web‐based industries?

Practical implications

Information professionals may find these perspectives useful in framing their own applications of e‐book technology in their planning for future technology, collections and services.

Originality/value

The interviews, generally conducted with the understanding that comments and other key competitive information would remain unattributed, provide an insider's look at a technology and industry developing in a larger arena of rapid technological and market change.

Citation

Herther, N.K. (2005), "The e‐book industry today: a bumpy road becomes an evolutionary path to market maturity", The Electronic Library, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 45-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470510582727