Print or Digital? Exploring Preferences and Usage of E-Resources among Undergraduate Students in Agricultural Universities.

Abstract

The findings indicate a clear shift toward digital platforms, with users expressing a high level of comfort in accessing and utilizing e-resources. Features such as fast searching and ease of downloading emerged as the most valued attributes, highlighting that efficiency and user-friendliness are key determinants in the effective use of electronic collections. The study reveals that users prefer a combination of print and electronic formats of information resources. This suggests that e-resources complement the traditional print resources. The study concludes that a hybrid model of library, integrating print and electronic resources, is most suitable for meeting the diverse needs of undergraduate users. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing the usability and functional efficiency of e-resources while maintaining a balanced and inclusive collection development strategy.