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A Comparative Study of Print and Digital Learning Resource Preferences Among Competitive Exam Aspirants at Kannada University

Received: 29 October 2025     Accepted: 8 November 2025     Published: 9 December 2025
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Abstract

This study investigates the preferences for learning resources among competitive exam aspirants at Kannada University, emphasizing the comparative utilization of print versus digital materials. The results indicate a significant trend towards the adoption of digital resources, with platforms such as YouTube coaching channels, online quizzes, and e-books being identified as the most utilized tools. These digital materials are particularly valued for their accessibility, interactivity, and convenience, aligning with the evolving learning demands of students preparing for competitive examinations. Demographic analysis reveals notable variations in resource usage: male students, those residing in urban areas, and individuals from the arts stream demonstrate a higher propensity to engage with digital learning platforms relative to other groups. Nonetheless, despite the increasing preference for online tools, traditional resources such as printed competitive exam books and academic research publications retain importance and continue to be utilized extensively for comprehensive study and conceptual grasp. In light of these findings, the study recommends that Kannada University enhance its library and digital infrastructure to expand access to e-resources, alongside offering targeted digital literacy training. Additionally, integrating online learning platforms and interactive tools within the university’s academic support framework could significantly improve student preparedness for competitive examinations, thereby fostering a more comprehensive and effective learning environment.

Published in American Journal of Information Science and Technology (Volume 9, Issue 4)
DOI 10.11648/j.ajist.20250904.13
Page(s) 291-297
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Competitive Exam Aspirants, Learning Resources, Digital Resources, Print Materials, E-Learning, Library Services

References
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[3] Baruah, B. G., &Hangsing, P. (2013). Relevance of the rising job market for LIS professionals versus competencies needed with reference to Indian context. Trends in Information Management (TRIM), 8(2), 54-74.
[4] Danner, R. B., &Pessu, C. O. (2013). A survey of ICT competencies among students in teacher preparation programmes at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 12, 33-49.
[5] Ishola, B. C., Aboyade, M. A., Ojokuku, B. Y., &Akintade, K. O. (2016). Availability, accessibility and use of e-resources in selected private universities in South West, Nigeria. Middle Belt Journal of Library and Information Science, 14, 110-121.
[6] Jeyshankar, R., Nachiappan, N., & Suresh, M. (2016). Access and use of social networking sites (SNSs) among the postgraduate students of rural-based colleges of Tamil Nadu, India - A study. SRELS Journal of Information Management, 53(3), 237-241.
[7] Kleimola, R., &Leppisaari, I. (2022). Learning analytics to develop future competences in higher education: A case study. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 19(1), 17.
[8] Kumar, M. A. (2018). Use patterns of e-resources by the faculty, research scholars and professional students of University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State - A case study. Unpublished manuscript / Institutional Report (if published, please provide more details).
[9] Okirigiti, S. O. (2022). User skills and utilization of e-resources by undergraduate students at Tangaza University Library, Nairobi County, Kenya. International Journal of Current Aspects, 6(3), 152-160.
[10] Oseghale, O. (2023). Digital information literacy skills and use of electronic resources by humanities graduate students at Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Digital Library Perspectives, 39(2), 181-204.
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Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Ramachandragouda, S., Naik, U., M., P., Renuka. (2025). A Comparative Study of Print and Digital Learning Resource Preferences Among Competitive Exam Aspirants at Kannada University. American Journal of Information Science and Technology, 9(4), 291-297. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajist.20250904.13

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    ACS Style

    Ramachandragouda, S.; Naik, U.; M., P.; Renuka. A Comparative Study of Print and Digital Learning Resource Preferences Among Competitive Exam Aspirants at Kannada University. Am. J. Inf. Sci. Technol. 2025, 9(4), 291-297. doi: 10.11648/j.ajist.20250904.13

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    AMA Style

    Ramachandragouda S, Naik U, M. P, Renuka. A Comparative Study of Print and Digital Learning Resource Preferences Among Competitive Exam Aspirants at Kannada University. Am J Inf Sci Technol. 2025;9(4):291-297. doi: 10.11648/j.ajist.20250904.13

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ajist.20250904.13,
      author = {Shivaraja Ramachandragouda and Umesha Naik and Purushothmagowda M. and Renuka},
      title = {A Comparative Study of Print and Digital Learning Resource Preferences Among Competitive Exam Aspirants at Kannada University},
      journal = {American Journal of Information Science and Technology},
      volume = {9},
      number = {4},
      pages = {291-297},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ajist.20250904.13},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajist.20250904.13},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajist.20250904.13},
      abstract = {This study investigates the preferences for learning resources among competitive exam aspirants at Kannada University, emphasizing the comparative utilization of print versus digital materials. The results indicate a significant trend towards the adoption of digital resources, with platforms such as YouTube coaching channels, online quizzes, and e-books being identified as the most utilized tools. These digital materials are particularly valued for their accessibility, interactivity, and convenience, aligning with the evolving learning demands of students preparing for competitive examinations. Demographic analysis reveals notable variations in resource usage: male students, those residing in urban areas, and individuals from the arts stream demonstrate a higher propensity to engage with digital learning platforms relative to other groups. Nonetheless, despite the increasing preference for online tools, traditional resources such as printed competitive exam books and academic research publications retain importance and continue to be utilized extensively for comprehensive study and conceptual grasp. In light of these findings, the study recommends that Kannada University enhance its library and digital infrastructure to expand access to e-resources, alongside offering targeted digital literacy training. Additionally, integrating online learning platforms and interactive tools within the university’s academic support framework could significantly improve student preparedness for competitive examinations, thereby fostering a more comprehensive and effective learning environment.},
     year = {2025}
    }
    

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    AU  - Shivaraja Ramachandragouda
    AU  - Umesha Naik
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    AB  - This study investigates the preferences for learning resources among competitive exam aspirants at Kannada University, emphasizing the comparative utilization of print versus digital materials. The results indicate a significant trend towards the adoption of digital resources, with platforms such as YouTube coaching channels, online quizzes, and e-books being identified as the most utilized tools. These digital materials are particularly valued for their accessibility, interactivity, and convenience, aligning with the evolving learning demands of students preparing for competitive examinations. Demographic analysis reveals notable variations in resource usage: male students, those residing in urban areas, and individuals from the arts stream demonstrate a higher propensity to engage with digital learning platforms relative to other groups. Nonetheless, despite the increasing preference for online tools, traditional resources such as printed competitive exam books and academic research publications retain importance and continue to be utilized extensively for comprehensive study and conceptual grasp. In light of these findings, the study recommends that Kannada University enhance its library and digital infrastructure to expand access to e-resources, alongside offering targeted digital literacy training. Additionally, integrating online learning platforms and interactive tools within the university’s academic support framework could significantly improve student preparedness for competitive examinations, thereby fostering a more comprehensive and effective learning environment.
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