Search

Purpose This paper aims to provide insights into the characteristics of avid non-fiction book readers, exploring their typical demographic characteristics in relation to reading volume and frequency. It also investigates their comparative library usage in relation to avid fiction readers, as well as their motivation to read, and barriers to reading. Findings from the subset of self-identified avid non-fiction readers from the 2015 International Study of Avid Book Readers are interrogated to provide insights into this under-researched group.Design/methodology/approach The authors have used a single-stage mixed-methods approach, using data from both qualitative and quantitative items in an international survey.Findings The quantitative data analysis of this study suggests that avid non-fiction book readers were more likely to be men and older than avid fiction readers, and that they also tended to read less frequently, though avid non-fiction readers tended to read a greater volume of books. Avid fiction readers reported greater library usage, and thus unsurprisingly were found to have a greater borrowing tendency than non-fiction readers. Our qualitative findings around reading motivation identified a range of recurrent themes. The authors also found three key barriers to reading: time, book access and concentration.Originality/value The findings of this study provide unique insights into the characteristics, preferences and motivation of avid non-fiction readers, with the relationship between pleasure and the reading of non-fiction of particular interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess initial user perceptions and use of Amazon's Kindle e-book reader. Design/methodology/approach - Thirty-six participants were provided with a Kindle e-book reader and $100 to spend at Amazon. After one month of use focus groups were conducted to elicit user feedback about their experiences and overall first impressions. Findings - Analysis of the discussions indicates overall interest in the Kindle as a basic reading device for fiction. However, its use in an academic setting is limited due to content availability and licensing issues, graphic display capabilities, organizational issues, and its prohibitive cost. Originality/value - This is the first research paper of its kind to report on qualitative research conducted on user perceptions of the Kindle e-book reader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]