The economic impact of e-lending in public libraries on the consumer book market
On behalf of the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM), DIW Econ analysed the economic effects of e-lending on the German public book market. In its coalition agreement, the German government established the goal of creating a fair framework conditions for e-lending in public libraries. The study now presented by DIW Econ aims to provide a comprehensive empirical basis for this.
The study shows that e-lending and windowing have a significant impact on the consumer book market. Windowing (i.e. banning e-lending in public libraries for 6-9 months after the publication of the title) has a positive impact on the sales of e-books and print books on the consumer market. Removing windowing would therefore lead to a loss of sales revenue for authors, publishers and booksellers.
This study was motivated by the German government’s aim to create ‘fair conditions for e-lending in libraries’, as stated in the coalition agreement. As previous discussions had stalled due to a lack of data, a sound empirical analysis was needed.
The study analysed key questions about the use of e-lending and print lending in libraries and the effects of e-lending and windowing on the consumer book market. Among other things, it looked at the intensity of use of e-lending and print lending, the impact of windowing on book sales, and the socio-demographic background and buying behaviour of library users in comparison with the overall German population. In order to analyse these questions, a comprehensive database with title-specific information on sales figures, lending figures and windowing of 14,347 titles with 30,026 ISBNs was collected.
The results show that e-books are used much more intensively in libraries than print books and that windowing has a positive effect on book sales. Removing windowing would therefore lead to a loss of revenue for authors, publishers and booksellers. There are also clear differences in the socio-demographic background and buying behaviour of library users compared to the overall German population. Library users often have an above-average income, a higher level of education and are more active in the book market.
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