Reading habits and attitude in the digital age. Analysis of gender and academic program differences in Malaysia
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470710754805 |
| Date | 12 June 2007 |
| Published date | 12 June 2007 |
| Pages | 285-298 |
| Author | Nor Shahriza Abdul Karim,Amelia Hasan |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Reading habits and attitude in the
digital age
Analysis of gender and academic program
differences in Malaysia
Nor Shahriza Abdul Karim
Department of Library and Information Science,
International Islamic University, Gombak, Malaysia, and
Amelia Hasan
University College of Engineering and Technology Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
Abstract
Purpose – This study is an attempt to understand the reading habits and attitudes of the Bachelor of
IT students and the Bachelor of Arts students from the International Islamic University Malaysia. The
study also aims to explore these differences in terms of gender.
Design/methodology/approach – The study used a survey approach in collecting the data. The
population of the study was the undergraduate students from two academic faculties at the university.
The faculties were Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology (KICT) (IT-based) and
Kuliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Science (KIRKH) (arts-based). Based on the 400
sample drawn, 127 responses were received from the survey.
Findings – The study finds that the web site is seen as an increasingly important reading source.
Significant differences exist between academic programs and types of reading materials and reading
resources particularly use the web sites. Some differences in reading habits and attitudes were also
observed between male and female participants.
Research limitations/implications – Limitations in this study are related to the small sample size,
the inclusion of only two academic faculties, and the limited amount of variables studied.
Practical implications – In general, the findings of the study should assist the University
authority, especially the library and the computing department, to look into service matters pertaining
to accommodating the reading as well as the studying habits of the student.
Originality/value – The pattern of reading, as is known from the past, may not be the same as
reading as it is known today or in the future. Research in reading habits needs to be further updated by
including current advancement in ICT, where the technology has enabled reading to be more timely
and somewhat non-linear by using devices such as computers, PDAs and wireless phones without the
presence of any printed document.
Keywords Reading, Individualbehaviour, User studies, Electronic media, Students,Malaysia
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
According to the Report of the Commission on Reading (Anderson et al., 1985), reading
is considered as a cornerstone for success, not just in schools, but also throughout the
adult life of an individual. Reading is regarded as a process, a mode of thinking, a kind
of real experience and involves many complex skills: the ability to perceive printed
words, to skim for information and then perhaps read intensively. In their research
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
Reading habits
and attitude
285
Received 9 June 2006
Revised 19 July 2006
Accepted 20 July 2006
The Electronic Library
Vol. 25 No. 3, 2007
pp. 285-298
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470710754805
To continue reading
Request your trial