Comparison between Chinese and English electronic resources: A survey of users of Chinese university library

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine and compare Chinese electronic resources and English electronic resources in terms of ease of use, usefulness and usage in the context of a Chinese university library, so as to facilitate the effective use of English electronic resources in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was conducted through a large scale survey. A total of 378 valid data coming from the users of a Chinese university library were used for data analysis.

Findings

There are more users in Chinese university library who perceived that Chinese electronic resources are both easy to use and useful while English electronic resources are neither easy to use nor useful. Meanwhile, there are more users who used Chinese electronic resources more frequently while used English electronic resources less frequently.

Practical implications

This study could advance our knowledge about the current status of the use of Chinese electronic resources and English electronic resources as well as the digital divide at the second‐level and the third‐level, facilitating the effective use of English electronic resources.

Originality/value

Building on three levels of the digital divide, this study examines and compares Chinese electronic resources and English electronic resources in terms of ease of use, usefulness and usage in the context of Chinese university library, providing a new view for library electronic resources management research and practice alike.

Citation

Zha, X., Li, J. and Yan, Y. (2013), "Comparison between Chinese and English electronic resources: A survey of users of Chinese university library", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 31 No. 1, pp. 109-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378831311303967