Another Side of the E-Book Puzzle

Abstract

Electronic books, while not as popular as electronic journals, continue to be produced, marketed, and used with marginal popularity. Why is it that we see a strong public demand for electronic journals and a reluctance to use e-books? One reason that e-journals succeed may be that the articles are often shorter and easier to print. Research on user preferences indicates mixed reactions to the use of e-books. Is it possible that the printed word is the best technology for monographic publications? Is the problem with e-books more complicated than simple nostalgia for the touch and feel of a book? Existing research on the utilization of electronic text has not been widely distributed. This article will review survey responses, reactions, and feelings toward ebooks, along with some of the current research findings indicating there may be more problems with e-books than meet the eye.