Searching for Physical and Digital Media: The Evolution of Platforms for Finding Books

45 Pages Posted: 11 Oct 2013 Last revised: 3 May 2023

See all articles by Michael R. Baye

Michael R. Baye

Indiana University - Kelley School of Business - Department of Business Economics & Public Policy

Babur De los Santos

Clemson University

Matthijs R. Wildenbeest

University of Arizona - Department of Economics

Date Written: October 2013

Abstract

This paper provides a data-driven overview of the different online platforms that consumers use to search for books and booksellers, and documents how the use of these platforms is shifting over time. Our data suggest that, as a result of digitization, consumers are increasingly conducting searches for books at retailer sites and closed systems (e.g., the Kindle and Nook) rather than at general search engines (e.g., Google or Bing). We also highlight a number of challenges that will make it difficult for researchers to accurately measure internet-based search behavior in the years to come. Finally, we highlight a number of open agenda items related to the pricing of books and other digital media, as well as consumer search behavior.

Suggested Citation

Baye, Michael Roy and De los Santos, Babur and Wildenbeest, Matthijs R., Searching for Physical and Digital Media: The Evolution of Platforms for Finding Books (October 2013). NBER Working Paper No. w19519, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2338891

Michael Roy Baye (Contact Author)

Indiana University - Kelley School of Business - Department of Business Economics & Public Policy ( email )

Bloomington, IN 47405
United States
812-855-2779 (Phone)
812-855-3354 (Fax)

Babur De los Santos

Clemson University ( email )

228 Sirrine Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
United States
864-656-3953 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://babur.people.clemson.edu

Matthijs R. Wildenbeest

University of Arizona - Department of Economics ( email )

McClelland Hall
Tucson, AZ 85721-0108
United States

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