The UK market for travel e-books

Research was undertaken amongst publishers and potential users of e-book travel guides. In addition, a major UK consultant in electronic publishing was interviewed on the subject. The research demonstrated that, despite the considerable hype and enthusiasm about e-books, there is some way to go before a viable market is likely to be realised. In particular, issues of standardisation are holding up the launch of a realistic number of titles. Copyright is also a concern for the publishers. Publishers appear to be over-concerned with the book metaphor, and are not yet thinking ambitiously enough about multimedia and other added value possibilities. Unless these value added enhancements are supplied, users are unlikely to switch from print volumes. © 2002 Transaction Publishers.