An investigation into usage of, and attitudes towards, e-books for academic study among tertiary students in New Zealand

Abstract

Research problem E-books provide enormous benefits to libraries and academic libraries in New Zealand have been quick to develop their e-book collections. The implications of the move from print to digital resources are of critical importance to the future of academic libraries. Little research has been done in this country, however, about the usage of, and attitudes towards e-books in an academic setting. This research aimed to add to this understanding, while at the same time provided the University of Waikato Library with information that will help service provision with regard to e-books.

Methodology A quantitative study was carried out with a sample of students from the University of Waikato to achieve a wide range of responses across faculties and types of student through a combination of online and hard copy questionnaire. Respondents were drawn from the student population of the University of Waikato. The University has over 12,000 students including over 1700 postgraduates.

Results There were 104 completed questionnaires. Compared to previous research, this study has found that students at the University of Waikato seem to have greater awareness of e-books, use e-books more, and have much higher levels of satisfaction with the ease of finding and using e-books. Many respondents were positive about e-books, mainly due to perceived convenience, but, when it comes to preference for book format, this study suggests that users retain a preference for print material.

Implications Academic libraries in New Zealand, quick to develop their e-book collections, need to be aware that, although knowledge of, and usage of e-books both seem to have increased rapidly in recent years, user preference remains resolutely in favour of print books. Further research is needed in other academic institutions in New Zealand to develop a more complete picture of student usage and attitudes towards e-books.