The barriers and informational needs of students and junior researchers when reading scientific papers

Abstract

AbstractStudents and junior researchers are important stakeholders in scholarly publishing, but there is relatively little research into their reading needs and barriers. This study hoped to understand the similarities and differences between junior researchers and students, between this group and more senior researchers and between different disciplines. The research comprised two parts: initial interviews to ascertain the main barrier and needs items, followed by a large‐scale online survey. The survey received 673 responses from Chinese students and junior researchers. The survey revealed that poor presentation leading to poor understanding was a common barrier, but there were disciplinary differences, with humanities scholars having fewer barriers than other disciplines. Postgraduates reported more barriers than undergraduates, and also scored information needs more highly. The results identify needed improvements in the presentation of articles and explanation of terminology in order to better engage with students and junior researchers.