Use of Electronic Books among Postgraduate Students in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa

Abstract

The advancement of digital technologies has improved the information environment with more information being available and disseminated in electronic format. Electronic books have been used in the academic institutions, and academic users have recognised their potential in supporting scholarships. However, the increase in the acquisition of electronic books has brought about changes to the interface of academic institutions in the provision of electronic books to users. The aim of the study was to determine the use of electronic books among postgraduate students in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa. The study used the quantitative research method underpinned by a survey research design for the data collection. The findings show a high level of awareness of electronic books that are available at the institution and that are used by postgraduate students in learning and research. Postgraduate students access and use electronic books daily through some of the popular databases such as EBSCO Discovery Service, EBSCOhost and Emerald. However, most of the postgraduate students encountered many challenges that hinder the effective use of and access to electronic books, for example, limited access to the internet, the lack of information technology skills and the lack of training on the use of electronic books. The study recommends information and digital computer literacy training, continuous professional development, and workplace learning workshops on the access to and use of electronic books.