From Print to Pixels: The Effect of E-Content on Libraries, Patrons, and Student Learning

with Lisa Hanzl

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the widespread adoption of electronic resources, online educational platforms, and video communication in educational settings. While causal research on the impact of online educational resources on the education production function and student achievement continues to progress, significant gaps remain.
This study focuses on technological change in electronic information content, specifically the large-scale adoption of eBooks and audiobooks in public libraries. We examine the substantial, one-time purchases made by public libraries to expand access to electronic resources. In the early 2010s, nearly all libraries acquired subscriptions to proprietary electronic content, with eBooks and audiobooks emerging as the dominant electronic resources.
Using an event study framework, we analyze how public libraries and patrons adapted to these large-scale shifts in electronic resources. By tracking patterns of use over time, we aim to provide insights into how these investments influenced library services, patron behavior, and, importantly, child literacy outcomes. As digital resources became more accessible, their impact on early reading habits, engagement with library materials, and broader literacy development remains an open question. Our study centers on the 2010s, a period characterized by the widespread adoption of audiobooks and eBooks.
To conduct this research, we utilize a comprehensive dataset covering the universe of U.S. public library systems over a 15-year period. This dataset includes detailed information on library collections, personnel, hours of operation, and other key operational metrics. Additionally, it provides insights into patron engagement, including circulation of printed materials, library visits, and other in-person usage measures. Furthermore, we incorporate child literacy indicators to assess how shifts in electronic resource availability influenced reading engagement and literacy development among young patrons.