Electronic books: main trends and prospective

Abstract

Electronic books have experienced a series of transformations throughout 2014 that affec the entire value chain of the book -authors, publishers, libraries and readers-. Some of the movements begun in previous years were consolidated in 2014, such as growth in the worldwide production of electronic books, development of new reading devices, or increases in digital reading and digital library loans. At the same time new aspects emerged, including strong development of mobile and connected reading, self publishing or business models associated with streaming modes for reading and subscription. These processes are analyzed and the scope and future possibilities are assessed.