Perceptions of Undergraduates on E-Books in Comparison to Print and their E-Book Expectations: A Case of Public Universities in Kenya.

Authors

Peris W.N. Kiilu Mrs., Moi UniversityFollow
Japhet N. Otike Prof., Moi UniversityFollow
Joseph Kiplang'at Prof., Moi UniversityFollow

Date of this Version

5-2019

Comments

School of Information Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret. Kenya.

Abstract

This study was set to investigate the use of E-Books by undergraduate students in public universities in Kenya. It was based on two objectives namely: to establish the perception of undergraduate students on E-Books in comparison to print books; and to establish the expectations of undergraduate students on E-Books in public universities in Kenya. The aim was to identify effective interventions on perception and expectations through which the use of E-Books could be enhanced. The perceptions and expectations of undergraduate students on E-Books in comparison to print were viewed as strong determinants on how they used E-Books in the library. Data was collected through mixed methods using both quantitative and qualitative instruments namely survey questionnaires and focus group discussions. Four of the older university libraries in Kenya were purposively identified and sampled out of 31 public universities. 300 third year undergraduate students were randomly surveyed from the four universities, 75 respondents from each university. One focus group discussion of eight (8) to ten (10) third year undergraduate students in each of the four universities was also administered. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS while open ended questions and focus group findings were analysed descriptively. It was found that undergraduate students who preferred the use of both E-Books and print books were more than those who preferred either E-Books or print books. Where both print and E-Books were available at the same time, E-Books were preferred. Undergraduate students expected awareness creation and the packaging of E-Books into formats that they could easily identify with. The findings of the study are important in drawing appropriate response that would lead to enhanced use of E-Books. Recommendations made include enhanced internet connectivity as well as repackaging of E-Books per academic programs.