Our recent survey shows that researchers are challenged by limited access to articles and limited time to read them, even as they move more to digital platforms to get their information.
Researchers’ content habits post-COVID-19
Researchers depend on keeping up with the latest developments in their field. But today they are faced with multiple sources and limited time. To better understand how researchers gather their information, we surveyed over 600 scientists across the United States and Europe working in universities, research institutes, corporations, and elsewhere.
The results show a community with emerging content habits and continuing challenges.
Journal readership remains strong
Journal articles remain the most popular source of scholarly content, with 94% of respondents reading them in the past 12 months. Interestingly, 84% said their preferred content format is review articles, followed closely by regular articles/article collections at 83%. They are also seen as a key resource to stay up to date with news in the field for 78% of respondents, though 52% said that getting access to the information in journals and similar publications is challenging.
Articles are also seen as a key resource to stay up to date with news in the field for 78% of respondents, though 52% said that getting access to the information in journals and similar publications is challenging.
Even if access is not an issue, the sheer amount of content now published means that 50% of respondents struggle to keep up to date and 34% struggle with assessing the credibility of the available content.". “With so many new journals now, determining which ones are credible takes time,” said one researcher. Publishers who clearly show their standards could cut through the overwhelming options and help researchers find the quality content they’re seeking.