How the Internet is propelling the resurgence and growth of printed books

The digitisation of literature could even boost sales of 'paper' books, according to an American study. Photo: AFP

In this era dominated by digital media, the idea that physical books could die out is raised from time to time. But American researchers say that such a concern is unfounded. They say that the digitisation of the world's literary production is not having a dramatic impact on book sales.

Perhaps even more surprisingly, the dematerialisation of literature could even increase sales of "paper" books by up to 8%. This phenomenon has a greater impact on lesser-known books and could even be seen with non-digitised works by writers who have seen some of their literary output digitised.