El libro y el lectorestudio de la percepción de la lectura digital en el ámbito académico

Resumen

New technologies have brought significant changes to the book as a paradigmatic instrument for the diffusion and preservation of knowledge. These changes have affected the reading, impacting the manner in which texts are consulted, consumed, and interacted with by readers. In fact, researchers argue the transition from paper book to electronic device is altering the level of focus on the text, as well as readers’ comprehension and assimilation faculties. Furthermore, recent studies show that digital reading is perceived as less attractive and efficient than traditional reading, which can have consequences on the quality of reading practice and generate resistance toward the new environment. In this context, the present research aims to complement and expand the existing scientific literature through a critical review of the most relevant studies carried out on digital reading and reader behaviors. Likewise, the factors and contexts that can motivate rejection and/or detachment of the reader towards digital reading in the academic context are identified and analyzed in order to establish a categorization schema. Based on this, the study endeavors to reveal the effects and consequences that new forms of reading have on readers, as well as their preferences and expectations. This project specifically focuses on the academic community of the University of Salamanca as a case study, with the purpose of proposing a research analysis model to investigate the subject, one which allows for understanding of various aspects related to the perception of academic readers towards digital reading. The study methodology combines qualitative and quantitative techniques to address specific aspects related to the research context. Firstly, a theoretical framework is configured through the development of a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to contextualize the research field, as well as to identify factors and contexts that may predispose readers to disapprove of digital reading for both study and recreational purposes. Secondly, semi-structured interviews are conducted, aimed at a representative sample of the study population, to verify and identify other factors and contexts that may cause rejection and/or detachment towards the adoption of digital textuality compared to print formats. Finally, the highlighted factors are classified into categories to define an ontology of conditioning elements that explain the attitudes of academic readers towards digital reading. In this way, the questionnaire is validated, aimed at the entire student and teaching community of the University of Salamanca under study. The collected data is analyzed using multivariate statistical analysis techniques with the objective of contextualizing the influence of the identified factors in different academic fields and areas of knowledge. The study concludes that the quantitative analysis statistically confirms the ontology of factors established in the present research as the object of study for examining the reader’s perception towards digital reading. Moreover, the analysis has revealed peculiar characteristics among some groups of individuals in the study and their relationship with the highlighted factors of detachment towards digital reading, suggesting the possible characterization of reader profiles within the reading community of the University of Salamanca. Furthermore, this work proposes an innovative and contributing approach and analysis model in the research field, with the potential to help develop policies and strategies that enhance the reading experience in the academic realm, especially with regards to digital reading. Future studies could further categorize reader profiles based on their predisposition towards the statistically highlighted factors in the present study.