Publication details

The role of library user preferences in the willingness to read and pay for e-books: case of the Czech Republic

Authors

STEJSKAL Jan HAJEK Petr PROKOP Viktor

Year of publication 2021
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Electronic Library
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Economics and Administration

Citation
Web https://is.muni.cz/auth/publication/1783919/10-1108_EL-01-2021-0001.pdf
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/EL-01-2021-0001
Keywords Library users' preferences; Willingness to pay; E-books; Readers; Non-users; Czech Republic
Attached files
Description Purpose The study aims to analyse library user preferences in the willingness to read and pay for e-books, using a sample of both active readers (users of public library services) and non-users (the general population). Design/methodology/approach Two empirical surveys were conducted from August to November of 2019; the research sample consisted of 1,334 users from the Municipal Library of Prague and 1,101 non-users from the general Czech population. The research was focussed on e-book user preferences. The willingness to pay (WTP) for e-book services and the determinants that affect this willingness were also examined. Findings The results show the specific approach of Czech readers, whose main determinant of WTP is not the content, but the price and method of its payment (allocation). Some people prefer a cheaper annual lump sum, whereas others may prefer a charge of small regular fees. The decision to pay depends on their reading or payment habits. Originality/value This study also aims to clarify the demand for various types of digital media in Czech libraries and the preferred distribution models. Furthermore, the study determines the dependence of the preferences of library users in their WTP for e-books using different evaluation models. The originality of this study is in the evaluation of the determinants of WTP for e-books, which makes this study unique, and the findings should contribute to the expansion of existing knowledge in the field of information science.

You are running an old browser version. We recommend updating your browser to its latest version.

More info