Young Adult Use of Ebooks: An Analysis of Public Library Services and Resources. Issue 3 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gray, Robyn; Howard, Vivian
• Is Part Of: Public library quarterly. Volume 36:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 199
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Ebooks -- e-readers -- public libraries -- reading for pleasure -- reluctant readers -- supportive technology -- teen reading -- teens -- young adult reading -- young adults; Public libraries -- Periodicals; Library science -- Periodicals; 027.405
• DOI: 10.1080/01616846.2017.1316149
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-6846

Abstract

ABSTRACT: An online survey distributed to librarians at public libraries across North America established some interesting trends in public librarians' perceptions of ebooks and teens. Some of the findings of this study are that teen library users strongly prefer to read print books for their recreational reading and show very little interest in ebooks or ebook programs offered by public libraries. Survey respondents indicate that teen library users remain largely unaware of or disinterested in the advantages of ebooks in providing them a convenient, private, and customizable recreational reading experience. Even when public librarians offer ebook programs for teens through school outreach, these programs tend to focus on the titles in the collection and the download process, rather than the specific benefits of ebook reading. More active promotion of these advantages could potentially appeal to teens, especially to non-library users and reluctant readers.