First Survey Highlights

The following are selected highlights from the first of several surveys conducted by Stanford University Libraries as part of the E-Journal User Study. This first survey focused on understanding life scientists' and clinicians' perceptions of the value of e-journals and their usage behavior. A more detailed and complete analysis of the survey data is forthcoming and will be posted to this website in February 2002.

For a summary of the survey methodology and sampling, please see the research methodology section. To view a complete copy of the survey instrument, please see the first survey questionnaire.

Preferences for paper journals and e-journals
Seventy five percent of respondents reported that they prefer e-journals over printed edition to retrieve full-text articles.

Convenience is a stronger reason than cost savings. Survey respondents were asked to what extent they agreed with three possible reasons for favoring on-line methods for retrieving full-text articles. Ninety two percent strongly agreed that physical convenience (not having to leave work and go to the library) was a reason for preferring online journals. Forty nine percent strongly agreed that accessing ěfreeî online full-text articles was a reason and 39% strongly agreed that eliminating photocopying expenses was a reason for preferring online journals.

Limited content may be an important reason for disfavoring online journals for article retrieval. Respondents were asked whether they agreed with three reasons not to use online methods to retrieve journal articles: cumbersome PDF files, limited availability of retrospective online content (i.e., back issues) and limited portability. Limited portability received the highest agreement, 22% agreed strongly (25% somewhat agreed) that paper is preferred due to its portability. Limited content available was the next reason with 19% strongly agreeing that this was a reason for preferring paper journals and 43% somewhat agreed.

Publishing Criteria
Journal reputation was rated highest as a reason for selecting a journal for publication: More than 50% of respondents strongly agreed (44% somewhat agreed) that reputation and prestige of a journal are the most important criteria for selecting a journal for publication. Hosting an online version of the journal was the least important with 2% strongly agreeing. Other reasons included: a large/diverse readership (80%), likelihood of article acceptance (73%), rapid peer review (64%).

Perceptions of the impact of e-journals
Exposure to a broader literature faster. Fifty two percent of respondents strongly agreed that e-journals make them aware of recent research faster (40% somewhat agreed). Thirty four percent strongly agreed that they exchanged more articles with colleagues (37% somewhat agreed) and 33% strongly agreed that they read more papers outside their discipline (38% somewhat agreed).

Electronic retrieval may discourage offline retrieval. More than one third (34%) strongly agreed that the more they use online retrieval of research content the less they bother to obtain content offline (i.e., from printed journals).

The value of e-journals extends beyond full-text articles. While 82% strongly agreed that the use of e-journals shortens the time spent on article retrieval or visiting the library, more than one third of respondents (34%) strongly agreed that e-journals provide other valuable services or features, such as editorial news, hyperlinking, peer reviews, and alerts or notification services.

The future of the journal
The journal will remain an important form of publishing over the next decade. Few respondents thought that the journal as a form of publishing would disappear in the next 5-10 years. Only 5% strongly agreed that the journal form would become obsolete. And 60% strongly agreed that journals will continue to be an essential tool for scientists' communication.

Please share your reactions to the Survey Findings by filling out our simple form. Your feedback is a valuable component of the E-Journal User Study.

Last updated: 10-12-01