The enduring power of print in a digital age
A recent report by Canon, titled 'Think Books: Imagine the Next Chapter in Printing and Publishing', reveals that over the past two decades, the world of publishing has experienced dramatic shifts that have deeply affected authors, publishers, distributors and readers alike. These shifts began in 1994 when Amazon introduced technology-based reading models that disrupted traditional sales frameworks, accelerating in 2007 with the launch of the Kindle e-reader.
Although digital publishing was not as widespread at the time, this period laid the groundwork for today's fast-evolving publishing landscape. The Economist described it then as 'a powerful, long-lasting and adaptable technology.' Canon notes that the global book industry, valued at $151 billion, is three times the size of the music industry and exceeds the European film industry by 15 per cent, highlighting its economic strength despite market fluctuations.
Surprisingly, the Canon report affirms that printed books have proven 'far more resilient than expected,' even after the rise of digital publishing. While Amazon pioneered this digital revolution - allowing authors to publish and sell via Kindle Direct Publishing - and companies like Microsoft introduced digital reading software, the print book has not disappeared. Rather, it has fluctuated in popularity, sustained by publishers and expanded through digital platforms that market and deliver physical books at competitive prices.
Today, the relationship between printed and digital books is complex. With the rise of self-publishing and concerns around intellectual property rights and digital security, one key question emerges: How can digital platforms preserve the communicative and emotional dimensions traditionally linked to printed books?
To explore whether digital media is widening the gap in access to printed books, the OECD conducted a survey among university students. The results were revealing: students who read printed books reported greater enjoyment than their peers, and reading levels between print and digital formats were similar. Even digital-preferring readers still owned sizable personal libraries. Though digital access has expanded reading across socio-economic backgrounds, printed books remain more emotionally engaging and reader-friendly.
The OECD study also found that students who balance digital and print reading perform better on international reading assessments such as PISA and enjoy reading more overall. This demonstrates the enduring value of print in learning and enjoyment, even as the digital market continues to grow.
According to the Global Book Market Size and Trends report, the book industry was valued at $150.99 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.2 per cent between 2025 and 2030. Growth is being driven by increased consumer spending, rising literacy interest and innovations like audiobooks and interactive content. Significantly, access to printed books remains a key growth factor.
Despite the rise of digital and visual formats, printed books still dominate with an 84.12-per cent share of global revenue in 2024. This is attributed to growing concerns among parents and consumers about excessive screen time. Print is perceived as more reliable, less harmful to eyesight and easier to navigate - qualities that digital formats, vulnerable to piracy and data loss, often struggle to match.
The continued popularity of international book fairs further confirms the staying power of print. These fairs - bustling with publishers, authors and readers - offer vibrant spaces for cultural exchange and intellectual engagement. They demonstrate that the book market remains an evolving, living space of dialogue.
The upcoming Muscat International Book Fair, set to open on April 24, is a testament to this resilience. With 674 publishers from 35 countries participating and over 52,205 printed books published between 2024–2025, the fair reflects a strong and growing demand for physical books - even amid the expansion of digital platforms.
Celebrating the printed book is not about dismissing the digital. Both formats enrich the reading experience in their own ways. The printed book remains a trusted companion - tactile, lasting and intimate - while the digital book offers unmatched access and innovation. What matters most is that the culture of reading endures.
The Muscat International Book Fair offers more than just the opportunity to buy books. It's a space to meet authors and publishers, engage in vibrant discussions and explore emerging ideas. As a cultural event with social and economic impact, it continues to affirm the value and future of the book industry - on paper, and beyond. (Translated by Badr al Dhafari and the original version of this article was published in Arabic in the print edition of Oman newspaper on April 19)
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