Research Institute Scientists E-Books Usage in India: A Study

Abstract

The study is all about using e-books by scientists in research institutes in India. To identify gender-wise usage of e-books by scientists, to understand the purchase and usage of e-books and e-resources, to observe the way of access and usage to e-books, to understand the frequency of the usage of e-books, to detect the type of problems faced by scientists while accessing e-books and to know the reasons for not attending the training program/orientation on using e-resources. The questionnaire method was used to gather the data. An entire 860 questionnaires were distributed, and 700 filled questionnaires were received, with a response rate of 81.39%. The study results show that the maximum number of respondents are male (59.15%) scientists, and 65.7% of RRI scientists use to purchase and use e-books. A maximum number of scientists access e-books purchased by their research institute. 52.8% of scientists feel that many e-books could be more beneficial for their research. More than 50% of scientists feel they need no training to access e-books. It is very clear from the study that research institute libraries must subscribe to e-books useful to their scientists.