This was published on Shelf Awareness. Since we thought it interesting, we are sharing.
BookBrowse.com Surveys Readers
BookBrowse.com recently completed its biennial survey of 3,400 readers, including members (20%), newsletter subscribers (60%) and “organic visitors” (20%). Respondents were predominantly female, most over 35 years old and with above average education (75% have a bachelors degree, 40% have a masters or higher). Some highlights from the survey:Reading Habits
Respondents split equally between those who read e-books at least sometimes, and those who rarely or never do. Over two-thirds still read print frequently.
About half of those who read electronically own a Kindle. Tablets are the next most popular, followed by the Nook.
Buying Habits
90% buy at least one book each month, with 54% buying 3-plus, 27% buying 6-plus.
Frequency of visits to bookstores online, and libraries both online and in person, remains unchanged versus 2009; but the percentage saying they visit a store in person less than once a month has risen 5% to 24% since 2007.
Talking About Books
67% recommend three or more books each month.
More than 30% write reviews or blog, most for fun, some for a living.
8% are librarians or booksellers (and a further 8% volunteer in the library).
Book Clubs
Online book clubs are growing in popularity but in-person book clubs dominate.
Two-thirds of book clubs plan their reading 2-3 months in advance or less.
Overall, book clubs skew towards newer fiction but most read a wide range.
Two-thirds wait for a less expensive format to become available.
85% say they read books by local authors at least occasionally.
Very few book clubs feel they must have a reading guide, but most appreciate them.
Technology
65% regularly use social networking sites, ranging from 95% penetration among 18-34 year olds, to 37% for those aged over 75.
Facebook dominates, followed by GoodReads. LibraryThing and Shelfari trail.
Even though two-thirds use social networking, only 25% use it to keep up with websites. E-mail remains the preferred vehicle to stay in touch.
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, was born to travel and tell the tale. From local cuisine to Michelin Star, simple to gourmet, Maralyn enjoys it all. Discovering flavors, spices, and trends worldwide, from Bocuse d’Or to being a judge at the Turks & Caicos Conch Festival, Oregon Chocolate Festival and others, or interviewing chefs, she is intrigued by all aspects of spa and culinary tourism. As a professional food, wine and travel writer, through guest spots on monthly radio shows, to being editor and contributor to over eight publications, print and online, she reaches several million on a continual basis, domestically and internationally. Maralyn’s years of writing incentive programs and meeting planning expanded her talent for digging below the surface for the unusual. She thrives on discovering different cultures and customs and feels it’s the best geography lesson ever. Also, she derives great satisfaction applying her organizational development skills. She has co-authored three books and hosted a television show for Time Warner Cable from 2002 to 2006. She is past president of The International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (12-2008 to 12-2012) and continues as a board member and co-chair of the Conference and Media Trip Committee. Maralyn is always ready to explore different flavors of various cultures and share their tale. People she meets along the way are the best part.