In transition: academic e-book reading in an institution without e-books
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to report the results of a study that examined the ways in which graduate-level library and information science students make use of e-books and e-readers at an institution that does not offer e-books through its library. The paper can be used as a case study in the adoption of emerging technology.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used three research methods – a survey, focus groups and interviews – to investigate library and information science students’ reading habits and preferences.
Findings
The findings suggest that despite the barriers of access and usability, the students have generally incorporated e-books into their academic routines. The results also suggest the factors that contribute to reader preferences for e-book technology.
Research limitations/implications
The study sample was limited to one academic institution without e-book collection.
Originality/value
The article presents one of the very few studies that examine e-book reading of an academic population that does not currently have access to e-books through their academic library. Understanding the ways in which such a population accesses, uses and values e-books would help many academic libraries make decisions with regard to the selection, integration and marketing of e-books. Additionally, such a study could serve as the basis of a case study that seeks to understand the ways in which people who do not have ready access to technology through their institutions find ways to work around that obstacle.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the study participants for their time and valuable contribution. They also thank Davis Erin Anderson, Emily Decker, Amy Laughlin, Julia Marden and Teresa Silva for their work on the project.
Citation
Lopatovska, I., Slater, A., Bronner, C., El Mimouni, H., Lange, L. and Ludas Orlofsky, V. (2014), "In transition: academic e-book reading in an institution without e-books", Library Review, Vol. 63 No. 4/5, pp. 261-275. https://doi.org/10.1108/LR-12-2013-0163
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited