This document summarizes a study on e-book usage among students at the University of Sheffield. The study surveyed 254 students, finding that 63.78% had used university e-books before. Non-users' top reasons for not using e-books included not being aware of them, preferring print books, and not needing to use e-books. However, only 1 non-user said they would never consider using e-books. The document provides statistics on how students discover, use, and choose e-books and recommends promoting e-books more, investing in relevant titles, and keeping track of technological developments.

1. Lucy Farnsworth
Assistant Librarian
South Devon Healthcare Library Service
E-books: student usage at
the University of Sheffield

2. Definition:
Part 1:
“An ebook is a digital object
with textual and/or other
content, which arises as a
result of integrating the familiar
concept of a book with features
that can be provided in an
electronic environment.”
Vassiliou and Rowley (2008:363)

3. Definition:
Part 2:
“E-books, typically have in-use
features such a search and
cross reference functions,
hypertext links, bookmarks,
annotations, highlights,
multimedia objects and
interactive tools”
Vassiliou and Rowley (2008:363)

4. It has been suggested that ebooks
could be more important to
students than ejournals
Nicholas et al, 2007: 50

5. Opinions
Usage
Recommendations

6. Methodology

8. Of the 254 respondents
63.78% had used University ebooks
36.22% had not

9. Non-users

10. Reasons for non-use
31.6% Not aware
25% Prefer print books
15.8% Not needed to

11. However………
Only 1 non-user
would NEVER
consider using ebooks.

12. Encouraging use

13. The Future
45.7% As popular as print
21.7% More popular
20.7% Less popular
12% Unsure

14. Ebook users

15. Discovering Ebooks
37% Library website
30.2% Tutor/lecturer
16.7% Library Catalogue
Only 3.7% discovered ebooks via
Library staff

16. Using Ebooks
82.7% An hour or less
4.9% Over 2 hours
54.3% Read relevant snippets
33.3% Read as much as required

17. Frequency of use
44.4% One or two ebooks
21% Three to Five ebooks
19.8% None
14.8% More than 5

18. Choosing to use ebooks
32.1% Rarely
26.5% Sometimes
53.7% Would like to use ebooks
14.8% Oftenmore often
14.8% Never
11.7% Very often

19. Encouraging use
43.2% More ebooks
15.4% Fewer printing restrictions
14.2% Ereader compatible

20. The Future
42% As popular as print
22.2% More popular
22.2% Less popular
13.6% Unsure

21. Comments “Where are they?”
“Only if they are easily accessible on ereaders will
they be truly useful.”
“Please don’t get rid of/ or
“Currently available stop buying the real book.”
titles are a bit obscure,
not enough core texts.” “I normally just use
google books.”
“Real books are better.”
“Ebooks have
“Wish they were easier to
undeniable value for
search/access/download.”
research purposes.”

22. Conclusions
Ebooks are being used
Usage can be improved
Most students open to using ebooks
Promotion is important

23. Recommendations
Continue to invest in relevant ebooks
Indirect and direct promotion
Keep track of technological developments
Review the ebook service

24. The
Any Questions ?

25. Credits & Refs
Nicholas et al. (2007). “SuperBook”. Online information 2007. *Online+. 50-
57
Vassiliou, M. & Rowley, J. (2008). “Progressing the definition of e-book”.
Library Hi Tech [Online]. 26(3), 335-368.
Dictionaries photo:
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Clouds photo:
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End photo:
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