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

Michael Baye, Babur De los Santos () and Matthijs Wildenbeest

No 19519, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

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.

JEL-codes: D83 L86 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-com, nep-cul, nep-ict and nep-mkt
Note: IO PR
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

Published as Searching for Physical and Digital Media: The Evolution of Platforms for Finding Books , Michael R. Baye, Babur De los Santos, Matthijs R. Wildenbeest. in Economic Analysis of the Digital Economy , Goldfarb, Greenstein, and Tucker. 2015

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Related works:
Chapter: Searching for Physical and Digital Media: The Evolution of Platforms for Finding Books (2015)
Working Paper: Searching for Physical and Digital Media: The Evolution of Platforms for Finding Books (2013)
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