Why e-books are not popular?

When e-books technology appeared in the 1990s many publishers and experts declared the beginning of the end of print books. Yet, after two decades print books are still in the market while e-books are facing some challenges.
Cynthia Gregory, the Head of Electronic Resources at the College of Mount St. Joseph’s Archbishop Alter Library, conducted a survey to study the attitude of undergraduate students toward e-books. Gregory explained that there are 3 commercial models of e-books: web-based, audio e-books, and device-based. The e-books market shifted from a focus on device-based to web-based models because they are more convenient for college and university libraries. Gregory indicated that after adding a number of e-books to the library’s catalog their usage increased remarkably, yet students’ feedbacks were always negative about the format. The questionnaire included questions related to the participants’ computer knowledge, to make sure that this variable will not negatively affect the study. The survey results showed that 75% of participants are aware of e-books but only 39% used them. Students indicated that they do not use e-books for many reasons which include awareness, preference for print, eyestrain, lack of need, and ease of use. Those who used e-books said that they used them for assignments and reference, only a few stated that they use e-books for leisure readings. Gregory concluded that e-books should continue to exist in academic libraries since patrons have different learning styles and preferences. She also stressed the importance of shared acquisition of electronic resources, and the importance of communication between libraries and vendors in order to provide the best services for patrons.
It is obvious from the results above that the use of e-books among students is attached to a need; this was also reflected by the switch of e-books market from a focus on device-based to web-based e-books. These findings imply that neither print nor electronic books would become obsolete but every type has its own market. While print books are the best format for leisure readings, e-books are used for specific needs. Like any other product e-books have advantages and inconveniences. Publishers of e-books have to focus on what aspects of the technology the people prefer and to emphasize on them. But it is totally wrong to approach e-books technology as a replacement of traditional print books.

Gregory, Cynthia (2008). ""But I Want a Real Book": An Investigation of Undergraduates' Usage and Attitudes toward Electronic Books". Reference and user services quarterly , 47 (3), p. 266.