Print or Electronic Course Readings: Implications for Library Space and Information Literacy Programmes

Abstract

For several years, there has been a debate about digital vs. print format for study materials. The Academic Reading Format International Study (ARFIS) has shown that students clearly are in favour of paper, both in Norway and many other countries. These preferences have various implications not only for collection development decisions, but also for the availability of space in academic libraries. Study literature offered in digital format has huge advantages. It is not only more available, but makes it also makes it possible to free up much needed floor and shelving space in physical libraries. It also reduces the time and work spent on handling physical literature, from acquisition to re-shelving. So how can these advantages be balanced with students’ reading preferences? The authors discuss these challenges and suggest to developing training sessions on “How to use digital study literature?” Some Norwegian universities have already done this, and their results will be described.