A AWARENESS; USE AND PREFERENCE OF DIGITAL READING DEVICES: A SURVEY OF ASSAM UNIVERSITY LIBRARY USERS

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to carry out a survey in order to better understand the nature of Digital Reading Devices (DRD) use by academic library users (Rabindra Library, Assam University, Silchar User) and to determine whether there is a significant demand for using the library services with these small screen devices. This paper explores the using DRD in university libraries and the challenges faced by libraries; librarians and users. The challenges come as we explore questions around the usefulness of DRD resources, our tendencies to romanticize the printed book as the chief way of motivating reading, as well as finding strategies to manage and circulate these resources effectively. Whether it is to provide access to e-reading materials for inquiry and information literacy, downloading an e-book for personal reading or establishing online book clubs and e-reading blogs, university libraries are experiencing mounting pressure to find ways to connect their traditional reading promotions goals with the online world where so many students spend so much time. Drawing from recent research on the influence and penetration of e-publication and DRD, examples from several university libraries, a formal analysis reveals several key ideas that should support university librarians who want to address these issues. Librarians are encouraged to understand the motivational influence of these digital tools and to accept them as positive and useful in promoting reading an