Digital Reading for Professional Development

Anderson, Amelia

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132967 Copy

Description

Title

Digital Reading for Professional Development

Author(s)

Anderson, Amelia

Issue Date

2026-03-12

Keyword(s)

• Librarians
• Professional development
• Digital reading
• Reading comprehension

Abstract

Librarians are expected to continue their education through professional development, some of which may be accomplished through reading. Studies show that readers comprehend information differently when reading digitally compared to reading physical materials. This study examines how librarians and staff read, and suggests implications for their professional learning. A survey administered through Qualtrics, and consisting of both closed and open-ended questions, collected data from librarians and library staff in the United States (US) about their professional reading habits while at work. A call for participation was distributed using purposeful sampling methods among online platforms for librarians, generating 280 participants. SPSS software facilitated quantitative analysis, consisting of descriptive statistics and frequencies. NVIVO software facilitated qualitative analysis, through which inductive coding through an iterative approach was used to determine themes. Most participants feel that librarians and staff should be keeping current with professional trends, and most also are allowed to read for professional development at work. Most frequently, librarians are allowed to read via desktop computer, followed by reading physical materials. Findings carry implications for librarian professional development, suggesting distracted reading may be acceptable for public facing situations, but suggesting librarians also need dedicated time for deep reading.

Publisher

iSchools

Series/Report Name or Number

iConference 2026 Proceedings

Type of Resource

Other

Genre of Resource

Conference Poster

Language

eng

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132967

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2026 is held by Amelia Anderson. Copyright permissions, when appropriate, must be obtained directly from the authors.

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