Amazon market place leads in the supply of second hand texts

Shift Media research reveals market share figures and more

LONDON, 17 FEBRUARY 2007.

Amazon market place is by far the most common source of second hand books for undergraduate students, according to a new piece of research from Shift Media. 28.8% of students asked had bought their last second hand course book from the popular site, compared to 11.7% obtaining a second hand copy from their University bookshop.

"It is clear that Amazon market place is really having an impact on the way that students look for textbooks.” said Jane Powell, Director of Shift Media. “Other online sources such as eBay are also popular. As more students learn about these sites and how easy it is to sell books this way, we may see further growth in the second-hand market. This may present an increasing problem for UK publishers.”

The results come from a larger piece of research from Shift Media looking at market size, factors driving demand and possible publisher strategies in the market for second hand course books. Shift looked into the recommendations made by lecturers as well as the behaviour and attitudes of students at first and second year undergraduate level across the UK.

“Second hand sales aren’t at US levels yet but it is certainly something that UK publishers are going to need to monitor.” says Powell. “We hope to repeat aspects of this study annual to give publishers an idea of how quickly any growth is occurring.”

ENDS

About the study
Shift Media sent questionnaires to over 2400 lecturers and interviewed 779 students across the UK. Disciplines covered included sociology, psychology, politics, business, economics, law and computer science. Respondents were asked about recent decisions regarding course book purchasing at first and second year undergraduate level.

About Shift Media
Shift Media is a consultancy that specializes in education and learning. It was founded in 2001. It conducts market research and analysis, develops business strategy and creates multimedia materials for publishing companies, educational organizations, corporate universities and the public sector. Its recent clients include Blackwell Publishing, the BBC, McGraw-Hill Education, Granada Learning and Sage Publications.

For more information, please contact Jane Powell at jane.powell@shift-media.co.uk or 020 7253 8959.