[TadW]

Librarian Cynthia L. Gregory surved her students regarding their attitude toward e-books. You can find her findings in the attached study.

Reasons why students had not used an e-book

1. Awareness
"Never heard of them."
"Just found out about them."

2. Preference for Print
"Traditional books are more reliable."
"Books are more convenient."

3. Eyestrain
"Staring at the computer is uncomfortable."
"Don't like reading off computer screen."

4. No Need
"I have just never really had a reason or needed to use an e-book."
"If it's not required, I probably won't use it."

5. Ease of Access
"Hard to access."
"Easier to get a book instead of sitting in front of a computer or printing a lot."

What students LIKE about e-books

1. Convenience
"Don't have to order or check out book."
"Access is easier from home."

2. Cost
"Don't have to ... pay to copy book."
"Don't have to buy the book."

3. Ability to print
"Like printing only pages I need."
"Print pages needed."

What Students DISLIKE about E-Books

1. Searching/navigation
"Menus confusing."
"Dislike searching for them."

2. Eyestrain
"Reading from the screen."
"Screen glare is annoying."

3. Prefer print book
"I would rather have the book on hand."
"Would rather read in bed or on the couch or on the beach--not at a computer."

(Source: Reference & User Services Quarterly 47.3 (Spring 2008): 266(8), reproduction granted for nonprofit, educational use).