Despite Digital Devices Young Women Students opt for Physical Media

By Albert Smith

Of 214 FAME respondents, 40% noted that their most used format when reading books are print books. Yet 79% of these young women reported that they anticipated primarily having to read on digital devices in college (smartphone, laptop, tablet, desktop computer).

This difference was particularly interesting as these readers prefer physical books, but they are mostly anticipating completing their academic related reading on digital devices. The results suggest that despite these students opting for physical media in their reading outside of class, they are ultimately expecting to engage mostly with digital media in college.

These findings offer insight into the habits of students reading on their own against what has been mapped for them in the classroom. Begging the question: How are higher education spaces adhering to the habits of their Black young women readers?

Related: 

• Black Readers Findings