Poll

Print for nonfiction
Audio for fiction

I prefer a hardback, but I often check out an ebook from the library because it is more convenient. When I can afford it, I buy the hardback if I really liked it.

If I can get the audio or hardback or both for free from the library then I will read while I listen. But hardback print is first priority for me.

I do audio book because it’s more easily accessible but if it’s a topic we’re really interested in. I’ll by the hard cover too

I check out both the ebook and audiobook from the library so I can highlight/take notes via the ebook while I listen. As a working mom, that’s the best way for me to make time for and get the most out of reading.

I don't have a preference. There are pros and cons of each. That said, sometimes audiobooks are challenging for me if the information being provided is dense.

I tend to read actual books out of libraries...not a big fan of audio books.

I always prefer ebooks because they are always with me (iPhone, iPad, ereader). Also, many books are heavy and bulky to carry.

As someone who's read at least 200 books/year for the past 5 years:

>90% of my reading these days is audiobooks. I listen when I exercise, when I'm driving, when I'm cooking, when I'm crocheting/painting/crafting, etc.

The other ~10% is Ebooks that I can download onto my tablet with the Kindle app or the Libby reader. That way the book travels with me wherever I go, so I can read whenever I have time. The highlighting and notes features on Kindle that sync into Goodreads are very useful. I aim to read at least 15 minutes of an Ebook everyday; more if I have extra time.

It's very rare for me to read a physical book anymore. I can't remember the last time I checked a physical book out of the library. It's been probably 5 years since I bought a physical book.

ebooks. I don't have a lot of money. Buying hardbacks would price me out. Checking out hardbacks from the library is problematic because I have three border collies who have a history of eating library books. (Even the kindle has toothmarks in it, and I once found it buried in the back yard, but it seems to survive.)

I prefer both hardback and audiobooks almost equally for science books, with just the teeniest tiniest extra point to hardbacks.

I choose hardbacks/paper backs from the library when possible. Usually it’s easier to find the ebooks available.

It depends what type of book it is. If it's a reference book that requires a lot of flipping back and forth, or has a ton of detailed graphics that, again, require flipping back and forth, I prefer a print book. But if it's something with a more linear, narrative structure, ebooks are super convenient.

Lol on the book eating border collies! That made my night!

Mainly audiobooks and ebooks for convenience. Occasionally paper for a traditional reading experience and aesthetics.

Generally, especially if it’s a book I want to refer back to, I prefer paperback. However, an ebook is easier to mark up and search, so that has a place too.

No preference

I prefer print; either hardback or paperback. Audiobooks sometimes.
Rarely, if ever, would I read a book on a tablet.
That said, I completely understand why others choose e-books/pdf so read away on whatever suits one.

For a long book (> 400 or 500 pgs) I prefer Ebook (kindle- don't like reading on computer screen) followed by paper, because it's faster than audio. For not-so-long ones I prefer audiobook. Sometimes the libraries have a book I want in paper and not other formats so I get the paper.
I buy only when I can't find the book I want at the four libraries I have accounts for, which is seldom, and then I buy whichever is cheaper, kindle or used paper.

I prefer the printed version for nonfictions. If the material is not dense or if visuals aren't important, then I'll usually try the audiobook as well. Regardless though, I'm at the mercy of my public library's resources, which have been excellent.

For sciencey books I find it helpful when they're in print so you can see all the equations, graphs, pictorials, etc. This is especially helpful when learning new concepts. The exceptions I find are books mainly focusing on thought experiments or histories of theories. Once you have the basic knowledge it is nice to expand your mind and both listening or physically reading can both be helpful or enlightened.

That said I also really enjoy audiobooks, especially while at work. I can get a lot of reading done while working. At times I can read up to 12hrs a day which is an amazing way to pass the time being entertained or learning.

I have a bookshop so I have to say print! But actually I buy hardback and paperback for myself. Sometimes listen to audio or read an ebook if I can't get it any other way when I want it. as I live on an island and things can take a month to get to me.