Importance of Print Media in the Digital Age and the Role of Libraries: A Study with Special Reference to College Students

The rapid development of digital technologies has made a long way in transforming college students’ information-seeking, accessing, reading and using practices. The availability of e-books, journals, databases, websites, and apps has facilitated the accessibility of academic information. However, printed books, newspapers, magazines, journals, dictionaries, and other resources are still regarded as significant components of academic libraries. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of print publishing in the digital era and the role of academic libraries in the information and reading cultures of college students with a focus on students’ print usage for academic studies, exam preparation, assignments, general knowledge, and leisure time reading as well as the role of digital technologies in changing reading cultures and developing new preferences. The descriptive study was conducted using library materials, research studies, and students’ information behavior. The findings reveal that both print and digital resources should be regarded as complementary sources of information satisfying different needs and preferences. Whereas digital resources enable easy searching, access, and use from various locations, print media can support eye-friendly reading, tactile sensations, and conservation of valuable resources. Therefore, academic libraries should invest in developing comprehensive and balanced print and digital collections to promote reading, preserve knowledge, and ensure information literacy of the college students.