Text Books: eBooks or Print

Abstract

Electronic books or Ebooks are becoming more and more common in colleges. In this research, the student book buying patterns are studied at a public engineering institution. Ebooks are becoming more and more common. Based on a research survey, we analyze whether students prefer ebooks or print editions. Comparisons are done across disciplines, level of the student (freshman to graduate), whether the student owns a laptop / desktop / tablet, student work commitments, financial needs, and age; among other factors. Some professors give the option of using the ebooks, while others do not. Students may or may not know about the availability of ebooks for their courses and this may impact their decision to choose either option. Students may make decisions to purchase ebooks or print edition based on cost, readability, availability, and ability to take notes, impact on the environment, ease of use, logistics and the level of the usage of the book in a given course. Students also take into account the resale value of the book at the end of the semester. These and other factors that lead to the student choice are studied. The goal of this study is to understand student book buying behaviors. Authors hope that both students and faculty members can be made aware of the various text book options available so they can make the best choices given the individual circumstances.

Transition to eBook Provision: A Commentary on the Preferences and Adoption of eBooks by Chemistry Undergraduates

“…If the digital natives narrative were to hold true, then we would perhaps expect more of this generation to prefer digital texts. This preference for printed texts is similar to that seen in research in the social sciences and more general research on reading preferences in adults …”

“…This preference for printed texts is similar to that seen in research in the social sciences 22 and more general research on reading preferences in adults. 23 All students are introduced to the ebook service by a librarian with a face to face session in a lectures slot, with many completing the sign up process in that session. This means that 84% of the 2018−19 cohort were registered for the ebook; however, only 74% of the registered users (and therefore 65% of the cohort) were considered to be active users (Figure 2).…”

Risk and Solution of English Language E-Textbook for Non-English Study Program Students

“…This innovation, which has the potential to drastically alter traditional reading habits, should be promoted and enhanced. According to Khalid (2014) teachers' degree of expertise and approach to e-book devices may have an impact on how they teach their pupils about e-books. Furthermore, most instructors who have difficulty adjusting to technology devices learn about them at the schools where they work rather than during their university years.…”

Lecturers’ Opinions and Preferences: Printed Book or E-Book for Science Teaching

“…The pages can be turned and the object can be felt as well as held. Khalid (2014) found that around 85% of his respondent agreed that the majority of texts were still in the form of printed books. The students preferred printed textbooks for a variety of reasons, but readability, use, and mobility were the main ones.…”