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

Author

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  • Abhishek Nagaraj
  • Imke Reimers

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Abhishek Nagaraj & Imke Reimers, 2023. "Digitization and the Market for Physical Works: Evidence from the Google Books Project," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 15(4), pages 428-458, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:428-58
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20210702
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Luis Aguiar & Zhizhong Chen, 2024. "Let that Sync in: The Effect of Music Reuse on Product Discovery," CESifo Working Paper Series 11249, CESifo.
    2. Gaétan de Rassenfosse & Adam B. Jaffe & Joel Waldfogel, 2024. "Intellectual Property and Creative Machines," NBER Chapters, in: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy and the Economy, volume 4, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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