Candela Ollé and Ángel Borrego
The purpose of this paper is to expand on previous quantitative and qualitative research into the use of electronic information resources and its impact on the information…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to expand on previous quantitative and qualitative research into the use of electronic information resources and its impact on the information behaviour of academics at Catalan universities.
Design/methodology/approach
A focus group was set up, comprising seven members of the staff of five Catalan academic libraries.
Findings
Participants confirmed the increase in the amount of journal reading among academics, due to the increase in the number of electronic journals available and the improvement in the tools for locating and accessing this information, especially off‐campus access. Librarians were well aware of the importance of internet search engines as the first information source for academics. They regretted having failed to provide users with a single interface to all information products. Academics' perceptions of the usefulness of bibliographic management software have increased dramatically during the last few years, especially among PhD students. Finally, librarians stated that most of the complaints they receive from users were to do with platform breakdowns, difficulties in accessing resources off‐campus, and discontinued resources.
Originality/value
While a large number of studies have measured the use of electronic journals and databases and have surveyed users, few studies have involved librarians in order to triangulate these results.
Details
Keywords
David Nicholas, Ian Rowlands, David Clark, Paul Huntington, Hamid R. Jamali and Candela Ollé
This JISC funded UK National E‐Books Observatory study is a benchmarking survey of e‐book usage and perceptions in more than 120 participating universities. The paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
This JISC funded UK National E‐Books Observatory study is a benchmarking survey of e‐book usage and perceptions in more than 120 participating universities. The paper aims to present the results that investigated: use of e‐books in general (methods of obtaining e‐books, reasons for using, viewing/reading behaviour in connection with e‐books); use of e‐books provided by the library; use of JISC collection texts (use and awareness); use of the library and print material in general.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on an online survey which was conducted between 18 January and 1 March 2008, over which period 22,437 full or partial responses were received.
Findings
The study shows that e‐book penetration is very strong (61.8 per cent of all students are already using them in connection with their scholarly work, as teachers or students), so the e‐book revolution has already happened but clearly it has some way to go.
Originality/value
The paper presents the results of the biggest survey of its kind ever conducted, which represents a huge advance in one's knowledge of e‐book use on a national scale.