E-book usage amongst academic librarians in South Africa
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Date
2011
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Library & Information Association of South Africa
Abstract
The purpose of this study completed in 2010 was to investigate the use of e-books amongst academic librarians; in
particular which e-books are available to academic librarians, why they choose this format, what impact e-books have on
librarians� professional practice and what the usage patterns of e-books are amongst academic librarians. A web-based
questionnaire was distributed on the LIASA mailing list. The results reflect a more gradual trend towards e-book adoption.
There is still a preference for print or a �bit of both� � print and electronic. This is because of the high costs of e-books
using the subscription model as the predominant e-book acquisition model and the lack of sufficient e-books in all subject
fields. E-books are used for �browsing for information� and are selected for functionalities such as having the ability to
search the document, anytime access and automatic citation. Major problems identified with e-books are: the cost of the
equipment to read e-book formats; the cost of the e-books, especially if the subscription purchasing model is used; the
lack of reliability of the Internet; and the lack of training in the use of e-books.
Description
Keywords
Electronic books, Academic librarians, E-book usage, E-book publishing, South Africa
Citation
Zinn, S. & Langdown, N. (2011). E-book usage amongst academic librarians in South Africa. South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, 77(1):104-115