From a CDL press release: “A new report, UC Libraries Academic e-Book Usage Survey, presents the results of a 2010 survey of 2,569 University of California faculty, staff, and students intended to assist the Libraries in developing systemwide strategies for acquiring e-books and inform future collection management activities. The study was a collaborative effort between California Digital Library staff and UC campus librarians undertaken as part of the Libraries’ Springer e-Book Pilot Project. Topics covered include UC reader preference for e-books as compared to print books, valued e-book features, and an assessment of UC reader experiences with Springer e-books during 2009 and 2010. “
Selective highlights from the report:
- 58% of respondents reported using e-books
- Postdocs and grad students reported the highest usage
- Physical scientists and engineers are heavy users of e-books
- The ability to search within and across e-book content was identified as the primary advantage of e-books
- The are frustrated by vendors who restrict downloading to chapters only.
- Purchasing or borrowing a print copy of an e-book is not uncommon.
Fun fact: Berkeley’s own Brian Quigley was a member of the survey committee.