Preferences for printed books versus E−books among university students in a Middle Eastern country
This study investigated the preference of university students towards printed and e-books in Oman. A mixed-methods approach was used, comprising a survey questionnaire and interviews. The findings revealed that the majority of the students preferred using printed books over e-books, citing reasons such as ease of note-taking, better comprehension, and portability. The study also found that the demographic variables such as age, gender, cohort, and years at university had a significant association with the preference of the study material.The study has implications for educational institutions, libraries, and other stakeholders who seek to understand and accommodate user preferences in an increasingly digital environment. The findings provide insights into the learning styles and choices of university students, which can help inform the design of curriculum and educational materials.The study recommends further research to identify the preferences of students towards printed and e-books in various disciplines and grades. Additionally, the study suggests that the findings will guide stakeholders and policy makers in designing modernized educational designs that cater to the psychological and social impact on students.Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering the learning styles and preferences of students when designing educational materials and curriculum, particularly in an era of increased digitalization.