Are We Ready for E-books? Omani University Students’ Uses and Perceptions of E-books

ABSTRACT

As the presence of e-books on university campuses proliferate, it is crucial that we understand their role in students’ lives.  This research reports on a survey distributed to Sultan Qaboos University students and shares their perceptions of the use of e-books. The study used the quantitative approach to investigate the issues related to the uses and perceptions of e-books by asking students to weigh in on this important issue. The findings indicate that students at SQU have multiple and diverse experiences with e-books, but do not necessarily prefer the electronic format over print for their academic experiences. Despite e-books growing presence, students may need more time and encouragement to change their use and preferences to e-books so exclusively.