An Overview of Reading Habits and Medium Preference Among University Students

Reading is a fundamental skill in the learning process. Reading improves the thinking ability by giving new concepts and ideas and enhances vocabulary and language which is essential in verbal communication. The habit of reading is one of the strongest predictors of academic success. Due to the advancement in ICT, the reading habits of students have changed. This paper reviews current literature on the reading habits and reading medium preferences among university students with particular attention to the advantages and disadvantages of reading on paper vs on-screen. The reviewed literature (N = 17, published between 2015 and 2020) revealed several characteristics of students’ reading habits and medium of reading. The findings show a decline in reading books and an inclination towards online materials. However, a preference for printed materials persists in academic reading.