Factors Influencing University Students’ Preference for e-books over Printed Books in Chitwan

Abstract

The rise of digital technology has shifted how university students access academic materials, with e-books becoming more widely used for their portability and accessibility. Limited research has studied the factors influencing readers’ preferences for academic books, particularly in local contexts such as Chitwan. The main purpose of this study was to examine how cost, convenience, and ability to focus influence undergrads’ preferences for e-books versus print books. A total of 335 undergraduate students were included in the study.  A quantitative descriptive research design was used and data were analyzed through reliability testing and multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS. The results revealed ability to focus (β = 0.459, p < .001) and convenience (β = 0.222, p < .001) as significant predictors of students’ preference for e-books. Although cost (β = 0.222, p < 0.001) shows a significant positive relationship, its impact is comparatively weaker than the other factors.  These findings indicate that students prioritize their ability to focus and convenience over price while studying. The study helps students, educators, libraries, policymakers, and other stakeholders in selecting appropriate learning resources. future researchers can expand on this work.