Interview: Amandeep S Kochar, President & Group CEO, Baker & Taylor

According to library content provider Baker & Taylor – it has been in business for over 190 years – e-book consumption is rising in India, and instead of replacing physical libraries it is reshaping their role. “E-books and audiobooks are making libraries more accessible,” says Amandeep S Kochar, president & Group CEO, Baker & Taylor. In an interview with FE’s Vikram Chaudhary, he adds that in 2022 there were 87 million e-book readers in India, expected to go up to 133.3 million by 2027. Excerpts:

Are e-books and audiobooks replacing physical libraries?

Globally, e-book consumption peaked in 2013, when 242 million e-books were sold (data by WordsRated). Sales then dropped to 191 million in 2020. But the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital content, making e-books and audiobooks an integral part of public libraries.

Digital content isn’t replacing physical libraries, but is reshaping their role. Public libraries have diversified into workforce development, community centres, after-school programming, and more. E-books and audiobooks have enriched the services offered by these institutions, making libraries more accessible.

But is digital content replacing libraries in educational institutions, especially those whose revenues were negatively impacted by the pandemic?

Libraries in educational institutions provide not just physical books, but also reference materials, and a serene atmosphere for focused study and research. E-books are supplements, catering to those who favour digital format or have specific accessibility requirements.

While some educational institutions have faced financial challenges leading to the adjustment of library spaces, these decisions are primarily driven by economic factors rather than the rise of e-books.

How does the consumption of e-books differ in India vis-à-vis developed countries?

In developed nations, widespread access to digital devices has facilitated greater e-book and audiobook consumption. In India, while the adoption is growing, disparities in access persist.

Developed countries typically boast higher literacy rates, fostering a reading and digital engagement culture. In India, efforts to improve literacy are ongoing.

Cultural factors – strong tradition of storytelling and printed literature in India – have influenced reading habits. Transitioning to digital formats may be slower due to these cultural inclinations.

But what about the e-book market size in India?

It’s poised for growth, with a projected revenue of $214.7 million in 2023 and an expected user penetration of 6.8%. The market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.84% from 2023 to 2027, reaching an estimated $279.8 million by 2027, with 133.3 million readers. 

This will be a substantial rise from 2022, when there were 87 million readers in India, and from 2020 when there were 63.3 million e-book readers (data from Statista.com). 

A physical library was a lot more than reading books – it was about respect for others (silence), being organised (keeping books back on shelves), cleanliness (not having food or drinks), and so on. In the age of e-books, are we at the risk of losing that library culture?

The concerns raised about the potential erosion of values and the library culture are valid. The traditional notion of libraries – characterised by silence, meticulous organisation and cleanliness – has transformed.

But change is the only constant, and libraries have evolved into dynamic community hubs, serving as spaces that connect, cultivate and transform communities. But believe that the core principles of respect for others, learning and knowledge-sharing can endure in digital spaces as well.

How is Baker & Taylor leveraging technology to support librarians?

We use data analytics, machine learning and algorithms to enable librarians to curate tailored reading suggestions. We have multiple technology solutions for libraries, such as ePopUp Library (libraries can place QR codes at airports, businesses and hotels, so that people can get instant access to a library’s digital content), Axis 360 (the digital media circulation platform), Kids and Teens bundle (provides a safe, library-supported environment for young learners), and so on.