Diane Mizrachi

Bio: Diane Mizrachi is an academic researcher from University of California, Los Angeles. The author has contributed to research in topics: Information literacy & Reading (process). The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 27 publications receiving 485 citations. Previous affiliations of Diane Mizrachi include University of California & Bar-Ilan University.

Academic reading format preferences and behaviors among university students worldwide: A comparative survey analysis.

Abstract: This study reports the descriptive and inferential statistical findings of a survey of academic reading format preferences and behaviors of 10,293 tertiary students worldwide. The study hypothesized that country-based differences in schooling systems, socioeconomic development, culture or other factors might have an influence on preferred formats, print or electronic, for academic reading, as well as the learning engagement behaviors of students. The main findings are that country of origin has little to no relationship with or effect on reading format preferences of university students, and that the broad majority of students worldwide prefer to read academic course materials in print. The majority of participants report better focus and retention of information presented in print formats, and more frequently prefer print for longer texts. Additional demographic and post-hoc analysis suggests that format preference has a small relationship with academic rank. The relationship between task demands, format preferences and reading comprehension are discussed. Additional outcomes and implications for the fields of education, psychology, computer science, information science and human-computer interaction are considered.

Undergraduates' academic information and library behaviors: preliminary results

Abstract: Purpose – This paper proposes to present preliminary findings from a larger study which examine and describe five issues of undergraduates' academic information and library behaviors: where students begin their research; how they evaluate online sources; what library resources they use; what formats they prefer for reading academic material; and specific laptop behaviors. Student perspectives on these issues and their impact on libraries and information literacy outreach and instruction are discussed.Design/methodology/approach – Three ethnographic methods were used to triangulate the data: tours of students' work areas in their dormitories, semi‐structured interviews, and free‐write essays about their information management systems. During October and November 2009, 41 participants were interviewed.Findings – Undergraduates displayed a broad diversity of behaviors that reach beyond the stereotypical lifestyles of this age group as presented in popular media. Behavioral tendencies showed more of a hybridi...

Computer attitudes and library anxiety among undergraduates: a study of Israeli B.Ed students

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between the students’ computer attitudes to library anxiety, computer experience, gender, native language and age. It also examines the amounts and most common types of computer use and their effects on the students’ computer attitudes. Age and gender do not show any significant relationship to computer attitudes; nonetheless, year of study and native language both show a relationship to the computer confidence factor. Computer use, especially home use, is strongly and consistently associated with positive computer attitudes although there are positive correlations between all computer-attitude factors and all library-anxiety factors. Computer experience produces positive computer attitudes, and positive computer attitudes help decrease library anxiety among students.