1) Did you use the ebook version of any of your course reserve books?

16 Yes
20 No

• I live off campus. I didn't have the time. I would have wanted to, it was just easier to buy them.


• Only one book was available and I had a copy already.


• Had availability from my college.


• Seemed easier to copy the articles with limited time.


• Didn't do much reading.


• Never mentioned.


• We had already read the book, before it was an ebook.


• Wasn't available at the time.


• Didn't know about it.

• None.


• Even on T1 (UR Campus) connection was slow downloading.


• Couldn't access off campus.


• Not many were on eBooks.


• Too lazy.


• I had problems browsing the eBooks from home, except on one occasion. On campus, it generally worked with a satisfactory degree of reliability and speed.


• No difficulty, but wished it could be used on a pocket pc...as that is best reason to use e-reader. Not having to carry big books around.


• I had no trouble accessing the book, but it was "checked out" a few times when I wanted to use it.

3) Did you find it uncomfortable to read course reserve materials off a computer screen?

9- Yes
15- No
8- I did not use the ebooks

4) Given the option, would you prefer to read the ebook or paper version of a book? Please explain why. 13- ebook 16- paper

• eBooks have advantages, as do paper books. Depending on the situation both have advantages, not having to buy them is a good one.
• Yes. Far easier and cheaper than photocopying.
• Depends on situation.
• Probably eBooks actually, once I have free time to learn how to use it.
• Paper - but ebooks are easier because I can get it at home and for free.
• Paper version - It's easier to highlight, make notes, and return to material.
• Well, the eBook is easier to access but books are not as "harsh" on the eyes.
• eBook computers are convenient and paper books kill trees!
• eBook - it's cheaper and you can always print it out.
• eBook - saves trees, easier to read, plus requires less work to get the material
• eBook - they are free and can be accessed from a dormroom, very convenient.
• Paper - easier on the eyes and easier to go back to.
• Paper, but only before acquiring a mouse that scrolls down a page as I read. It is too choppy otherwise online.
• eBook - easier to get
• Paper, because I can highlight and take notes.
• Paper, monitors hurt my eyes after a while.
• eBook, it's easier and accessible at any CPU.
• eBooks are easier - I'd use them again and it's faster than going to the library.
• I prefer paper version. I don't always have easy access to a computer. I can carry a book with me.
• eBook is fine, especially if I can access it from home with my VPN.
• Paper - can take them anywhere, reading off a screen can be uncomfortable.
• Paper - so I can make marks.
• I would probably prefer the paper version because I like to write thoughts and notes in the margins. However, if the eBooks were cheaper I'd definitely consider going with them.
• Paper - I am not used to doing my reading off a computer screen and it's a bit tiring to stare at the phosphorous screen for 2 hours.
• Paper - I don't enjoy reading things off the computer screen.
• eBooks - less stuff I have to carry around the better. Plus, with eBooks, one can easily look up references and meanings as needed.
• Would prefer paper for text -- e-material is fine for short things, or for technical material to then print up.
• I would prefer a paper version - however, it could be the print out of an eBook. I can't concentrate for too long reading on a screen, plus I can take the book (or printout) almost everywhere I want.
• I prefer to photocopy reserve materials. That way, I can make notes in the margin and I get to keep a copy of the text.

• Yes. Cheaper for students.


• Very much so, but please still get paper versions - not everyone can access them and there is something important about being able to touch a book!


• Yes.


• Yes. It expands access.


• Yes, ease. And they can always be printed out.


• Yes. More Convenient.


• Maybe.


• Sure, easy for students.


• Yes, I would like to try it.


• Yes - books kill trees.


• Yes.


• Yes, it makes things easier.


• Yes, they are very convenient and they save students money.


• Yes, because it saves the students money on their already meager income and makes materials readily available.


• Yes.


• Yes.


• Absolutely! Much easier to access.


• Yes, saves money.


• Yes, to manage students who highlight books.


• Yes! We don't have to wait if something is already signed out. We don't have to pay for photocopies. We don't have to worry about library being closed ( during vacations or shortened summer hours ) Please d continue!


• Yes, for some this is very convenient.


• Yes.


• Yes, makes them more accessible to everyone.


• Sure.


• If enough students seem to use them, then sure. The only major disadvantage to eBooks is that you have to be at a computer to do the reading, unlike a book that goes everywhere with you.


• I think so, because I acknowledge the advantage of the e-option to have reserve materials available for use beyond library hours and without the inconvenience of having to wait for another user to return them.


• Not on my account, I'd rather have a paper copy even if I have to buy it.


• Yes, I for one love using my Microsoft reader for a pocket pc, and am constantly searching the web for titles to read. The library should definitely keep purchasing titles as it is very convenient. They should however consider purchasing titles that are compatible with Microsoft reader, as it is already in wide usage, or seriously work on making the net reader available for pocket pc and palms.


• Depends. E-material is useful for referencing and passage citation, but not as a substitute for the library owning the texts themselves.


• Even though I haven't used them, I think the Library should invest in eBooks. It is a way of increasing the availability of, and access to course materials, allowing more students to benefit from them than the hard copies. It can also be more convenient, and even safer for the lending library (in terms of loss or damage). Although I personally prefer hard copies, I think many students might like and use eBooks. But it would be nice if eBooks could be printed out, at least partially. Last but not least, I could see how eBooks would come in handy in an "emergency" (if library is closed or book is checked out). As long as they don't replace the hard copies!


• I'm not sure. If it means that a real copy will not be bought, then no.