The American Library Association (ALA) and the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) have recently released the results of their first ever joint research initiative: Digital Content in Public Libraries: What Do Patrons Think?

“Library patrons were asked about preferences for print or digital formats, collection assessment, preferred devices and other issues that affect the use and distribution of published content in public libraries. The study will serve as a tool to furthering the understanding of the e-book marketplace.”

Some highlights include:

• In the past year, 96% of respondents said they read at least one print book, while 44% read at least one e-book.
• Borrowing print books is the most cited reason for visiting a library.
• 23% of respondents borrow up to 10 e-books in a year.
• Patron satisfaction in urban libraries greatly exceeds suburban and rural libraries.

An Executive Summary of results is available free if you are a member of the ALA or BISG.  The full report is available for purchase online here.

ALA & BISG announce results of study

Image credit: https://unsplash.com/ (William Iven), licensed under CC0 1.0