The killer Kindle
Amazon's Kindle is reviewed, and intersections between it, smart phones, and Google Books are described, suggesting e‐books will increase in popularity over time, but that the business model for individual download and institutional purchase will need to support institutional purchase.
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review Amazon's Kindle, and to describe intersections between it, smart phones, and Google Books.Design/methodology/approach – The article is designed as an opinion piece on the nature of electronic books in academia.Findings – The article suggests e‐books will increase in popularity over time, but that the business model for individual download of e‐books will need to support institutional purchase.Originality/value – The article should generate views, both in support of and in opposition to, the claims of the author; it should serve as a discussion starter.