Exploring Personal Connections in a Digital Reading Environment

Abstract

This thesis presents a phenomenological, qualitative study of students and faculty and their experience with reading in both the physical and digital realms of reading. Results are based on the analysis of personal, one-on-one interviews from the context of a university environment, specifically, community members of the University of Hawaii. The phenomenon of connection between readers and their reading sources is explored resulting in six themes, which represent manifestations of connection between the study participants and their reading. Important to note, touch and tangibility continue to play a significant part in the reading process, especially due to aspects of familiarity, accessibility and ownership.