The persistence of print books: exploring language preference and format preference among Arabic-speaking library patrons in Jordan
Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication
ISSN: 2514-9342
Article publication date: 13 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the reasons behind the persistent preference for printed content among Arabic-speaking library patrons in Jordan. Specifically, this study highlights the availability of reading materials in print, electronic and audible formats in Arabic as an intervening factor shaping reading behavior. More broadly, it aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how language preference can impact reading format preferences.
Design/methodology/approach
This study’s research design revolves around understanding reading format preferences among registered members of Jordan’s largest and oldest private library. This approach involved the examination of secondary library user survey data collected from N = 313 of its patrons in 2022. To gain a greater understanding of the preference for printed materials, this study conducted semistructured interviews over the phone with n = 31 participants of the library’s survey.
Findings
The findings of this study indicate a strong preference for print books among Arabic-speaking library patrons in Jordan. However, the availability of content in electronic and audible formats in Arabic, their preferred reading language, emerged as a potentially significant factor in the persistent preference for printed reading materials.
Originality/value
This study offers new insights into the specific role that the availability of content in Arabic, and possibly languages other than English, may play in shaping reading format preferences. By shedding light on this aspect of reading behavior, this research offers valuable information for libraries and publishers seeking to cater to the needs and preferences of Arabic readers.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research stems from an organizational initiative launched by the Abdel Hameed Shoman Foundation (AHSF), which broadly aims to advance knowledge, research and academic institutions in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Arab region. The team is grateful for the support of the team at AHSF, especially Ala Al Shorman, Rani Abu Hamdan, Afnan Awamleh and Ala Abu Lail for help throughout the process. The team would also like to acknowledge the support that NAMA Strategic Intelligence Solutions, an independent research polling and consultancy firm in Amman, Jordan, gave to conduct the phone interviews and process the results. The team also thanks Rabab Mizher, Inas Ababneh, Rawand Alazzeh and Yazeed Al Awaysheh for their efforts in the research process. Finally, the team thanks the anonymous reviewers of this article for their valuable comments. Any errors are solely the authors’ responsibility.
Funding: This study received no external source of funding.
Citation
Hawatmeh, C.Z., Alshmaseen, O.M. and Alfayez, G.E. (2023), "The persistence of print books: exploring language preference and format preference among Arabic-speaking library patrons in Jordan", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-04-2023-0127
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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