Perceptions of Electronic Journals in British Universities

Abstract

A survey of staff in British universities (including academic and administrative staff) has explored the ways in which they perceive electronic journals and the factors that affect their perceptions. Academics as readers are concerned with rather different factors from academics as authors. A profile can be constructed of those academics who are more likely to read electronic journals. It appears that the currently increasing parallel publication of print and electronic versions best satisfies authors' needs. All categories of respondents see the ultimate dominance of electronic journals as inevitable, and are therefore preparing for it.