Abstract
The shift towards digital has increased in pace in the last decades, especially in the previous decade. The proliferation of internet access and availability of e-readers in various forms, smartphones, and digital media has made accessing, storing, and reading eBooks much easier. However, there appear to be varying attitudes towards eBooks among individuals. This disparity can also be seen in how male and female readers perceive eBooks.
This study aimed to assess the intention to use eBooks among individuals using a quantitative, cross-sectional study design. The sample size of 370 provided a robust data set on which to base generalisations. This offered a snapshot into self-reported use, subjective norms, consumer innovativeness, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and interest and intention to use eBooks. A model was created to assess the correlation between these variables.
The study found that despite the availability of devices and digital content, there was still hesitation in using eBooks. Moreover, respondents showed low current use of eBooks; however, they did report that they were interested and intended to use them in the future. Furthermore, female and male respondents had slight differences in correlation between variables. Thus, universities and publishers should conduct the approach in targeting female readers versus male readers slightly differently.