The construction industry is holding on to the paper age when it comes to getting building products information, a new survey has revealed.
The survey of 5750 industry professionals by construction portal Barbour Index found that, although 86% of respondents used the internet and CD-ROMs, magazines and hard copy directories were still preferred for sourcing building product information.

The survey showed that 60% of respondents used hard copy the last time they got product information compared with the 28% who used the internet. Only 12% used CD-ROMs.

Electronic sources were used to complement information found in magazines and hard copy directories, the survey revealed.

Respondents said they found hard copy was easier to access and better for finding and comparing products; electronic sources were seen as more up to date.

Online ordering of products was not highly rated by the respondents, whether they were contractors or buyers.

Katherine Tickle, managing director of Barbour Index, said the results showed the transition from hard copy to electronic sources was much slower than had been thought.