Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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The Use and Ease of Access of EBooks in Public Libraries

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thesis
posted on 2021-11-13, 23:19 authored by Ross, Nichola

Research Problem: The purpose of this research project is to examine how patrons are using the eBook collection at a New Zealand public library. Specifically the research examines the relationship between print and eBooks and how this relationship affects borrowing habits. It also explores how the eBook borrowing process for affects usage of the collection. There is little information on this topic from a library patron perspective, and even less research conducted in a New Zealand context. Methodology: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this research. Self-completion questionnaires with a combination of quantitative and qualitative questions were offered to members of Christchurch City Libraries. A semi-structured interview was also conducted with two library staff members. Results: It can be observed that print is still the most borrowed and the favoured format. There are a number of reasons for this but the most prominent was that eBooks cannot offer the same sensations and reading experience that a print book gives. Most users were happy with using only print books though the ones that were open to trying eBooks were unable to do so as they did not own eReaders. The incompatibility of Amazon Kindles was also a reason some patrons were borrowing print books as they were unable to get the titles they wanted for their eReaders. The small size of the eBook collection was a deterrent for some users but the library is aware of this and is working towards building a larger collection with a wider selection.

History

Copyright Date

2013-01-01

Date of Award

2013-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Information Studies

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Information Studies

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

970108 Expanding Knowledhe in the Information and Computing Sciences

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Masters Research Paper or Project

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Information Management

Advisors

Goulding, Anne