Research Article: “E-Book Information Behaviors and Formats Among Graduate Students in Information Sciences” (Preprint)

The following full text research article (preprint) is scheduled for publication in an upcoming issue (Vol. 20 No. 1) of portal: Libraries and the Academy published by Johns Hopkins University Press.

Title

E-Book Information Behaviors and Formats Among Graduate Students in Information Sciences

Authors

Daniel G. Tracy
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Source

portal: Libraries and the Academy
Vol. 20 No. 1 (2020)

Abstract

This study reports on a survey of students in information sciences designed to test differences related to e-book formats and other factors. The results from 161 respondents suggest that strategic decision-making shapes use of different e-book and print format options for users who already have significant exposure to e-books. These format options include use in a browser, a downloaded pdf, an e-pub, or a printout. While distance student status related to reported use of library e-books, disciplinary background did not. On the other hand, experience in various fields of scholarship correlated to specific tasks pursued when using e-books, but distance status largely did not. These results suggest ways to tailor local and cooperative e-book collection strategies and related services for academic users.

Direct to Full Text Article (Preprint)
28 pages; PDF.

More From Daniel Tracy

“Format Shift: Information Behavior and User Experience in the Academic E-book Environment” (2018)

“Libraries as Content Producers: How Library Publishing Services Address the Reading Experience” (2016)

Filed under: Libraries, News, Patrons and Users, Publishing, Reports