28,732 research outputs found

    Information seeking retrieval, reading and storing behaviour of library users

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    In the interest of digital libraries, it is advisable that designers be aware of the potential behaviour of the users of such a system. There are two distinct parts under investigation, the interaction between traditional libraries involving the seeking and retrieval of relevant material, and the reading and storage behaviours ensuing. Through this analysis, the findings could be incorporated into digital library facilities. There has been copious amounts of research on information seeking leading to the development of behavioural models to describe the process. Often research on the information seeking practices of individuals is based on the task and field of study. The information seeking model, presented by Ellis et al. (1993), characterises the format of this study where it is used to compare various research on the information seeking practices of groups of people (from academics to professionals). It is found that, although researchers do make use of library facilities, they tend to rely heavily on their own collections and primarily use the library as a source for previously identified information, browsing and interloan. It was found that there are significant differences in user behaviour between the groups analysed. When looking at the reading and storage of material it was hard to draw conclusions, due to the lack of substantial research and information on the topic. However, through the use of reading strategies, a general idea on how readers behave can be developed. Designers of digital libraries can benefit from the guidelines presented here to better understand their audience

    E-Scripture: The Impact of Technology on the Reading of Sacred Texts (2013)

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    The tradition of religious readers in transition is not new: Augustine expressed “amazement” that Ambrose read silently and not aloud, movable type in the fifteenth century made the Bible publishable without scribal work, and today, electronic pages have become interactive in ways scarcely imagined a short time ago. How readers of today imagine a page (now conceptualized as a ‘web-page’) and consequently, reading in general, has profound implications for the 21st century. Acknowledging the fact that “the significance of a religious book lies not only in the message of its content, but also in the form and self-presentation with which it makes itself available to worship and transmission,” this project assumes that a great deal of perspective is provided by looking at this current transition in light of the old. In virtually all previous reading transitions, a religious ‘pattern of reading technology’ can be seen, whose pieces are all well-known but have not been collectively applied to the current situation of e-reading. The pattern operates with a three part assumption: readers will initially use a new technology to perform the same functions as the old technology, only more quickly, with more efficiency, or in greater quantity. This early use of new reading technology, in other words, largely attempts to imitate the functions and appearance of the old format. The second part is that the old technology becomes sacralized or ritualized in the face of the new technology’s standardization. As this standardization occurs, the new technology develops its own unique and innovative functions, exclusive to that form and shedding some or most of the imitative appearance and functions of the old technology – the third part of the pattern. Reviewing these transitions of the past and present, it becomes clear that perhaps fear of the new technology – however relatable – proves somewhat unfounded. New reading technology does not prove ultimately inimical to the old formats, or to religion, and despite many initial practical concerns, actually provides a multitude of benefits in the reading of sacred texts

    How do students in enabling programs cope when the paper study materials are no longer readily available?

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    Students studying enabling programs are now expected to learn from the electronic medium rather than from paper study materials. Most universities have budgeting constraints that impact on the production and provision of the traditional paper study materials. As a result of the Bradley Report, universities are increasing the participation rates in their enabling programs (Bradley, et al., 2008) by accepting new students who have low academic skills and often lack confidence to succeed in higher education. Together with increased student numbers in enabling courses and tighter budgeting constraints, electronic resources are seen by universities as being more cost effective. Many students may be computer literate but do they manage to learn effectively or as well as students who studied using traditional methods

    The demands of users and the publishing world: printed or online, free or paid for?

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    Digital or Printed Textbooks: Which do Students Prefer and Why?

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    Despite the fact the many textbook publishers offer several of their titles in digital format, the sale of e-textbooks have been less than stellar. This study investigates factors in the adoption of e-textbooks. Specifically, it examines students’ preferences toward printed versus electronic textbooks, and why they prefer one to the other. In general, students still prefer printed textbooks to electronic textbooks. The primary reason for their preference was because the students simply prefer print to digital. This study helps both textbook publishers and educators to better understand the reasons for e-textbook adoption and help determine ways to communicate the benefits of e-textbooks

    SLIS Student Research Journal, Vol. 4, Iss. 2

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    iGeneration And Their Acceptance of Technology

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    Technology is becoming increasingly embedded into our lives. We are seeing a push towards digitization and online access. This can be a challenge for some because users’ level of technical ability varies among the generations and other factors. Predicting technological innovations and how they might supplement, integrate with, or entirely replace existing technology is nearly impossible. These changes and innovations include many within the realm of education, including the relatively recent advent and increasing presence of e-Book sources and platforms.  This study examines how higher education students across different generations are embracing electronic books in their studies. Students have more distractions than ever before. Using mobile devices smartly but having the ability to concentrate when you need to can be a challenge. Just because e-Books options are available and being increasingly adopted does not necessarily mean they are preferred by students.  This study contributes to our understanding of their acceptance across different generations of students
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