Samenvatting

Digital books are often being heralded in the media. After all, the sales figures of digital books and e-readers are rising. It is inevitable that the book industry will keep on digitizing, since it facilitates life. However, what will be the long term effect of the digital books on authors, publicists, book shops, libraries and customers? Will the influence of the digitalization in the book industry be a success or a failure?
The purpose of this report is to find an answer to the central question, namely: "The influence of e-books on authors, publicists, customers and book shops; a success or a failure?" To narrow down the research, the accent is mainly set on the Dutch book industry. In order to give a reliable and useful advice, it was necessary to be as detailed as possible. From the first digital book to the newest e-reader. Besides a profile of the digital book, the Dutch book industry is analyzed, a customer analysis was made. Moreover, a comparison is made between the digitizing book industry and the digitalization of the music industry.
The purpose of this investigation, is to clarify the importance of anticipating on trends and changes, that are inevitable. To show all parties involved the value of turning something negative into a positive step forward in their branch. A remarkable conclusion is that the even in the same branches, parties are having totally different opinions on the digitalization trend.
Having said this, three main recommendations are prepared, to support the various sectors within the book industry to coop with the changes.
1) An often heard argument against the digitalization is the threat of illegal downloading, or better known as piracy. Fortunately, the music industry digitized quick and faced serious issues with regards to piracy. The book industry should learn from the mistakes that were made in the music industry. In order to fight illegal downloading, piracy should be investigated thoroughly. Try to seek for original and innovative ways to handling piracy.
2) After the example of the Dutch Book Association, which is founded for the smaller book shops owners, every branch within the book industry should have an informative organ. The Dutch Book Association primary goal is to provide information to smaller book shops owners about digital trends and how to anticipate on these trends.
3) Accept and embrace technology. A simple and short sentence, but which is of great importance to all industry that are facing digitalization. The acceptance of technology is the first step in creating better solutions and a smoother transition from the written word to the digital word.
To conclude, it can be said that the digital book will have a positive impact on the industry. However, this is depending on the participation and the motivation of everyone involved in the process.