Digitization and the Market for Physical Works: Evidence from the Google Books Project

Abhishek Nagaraj and Imke Reimers

American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 2023, vol. 15, issue 4, 428-58

Abstract: The free digital distribution of creative works could cannibalize demand for physical versions, but it could also boost physical sales by enabling consumers to discover the original work. We study the impact of the Google Books digitization project on the market for physical books. We find that digitization significantly boosts the demand for physical versions and provide evidence for the discovery channel. Moreover, digitization allows independent publishers to introduce new editions for existing books, further increasing sales. Our results highlight the potential of free digital distribution to strengthen the demand for and supply of physical products.

JEL-codes: D12 L82 L86 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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DOI: 10.1257/pol.20210702

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