eBooks vs Print Books: Do Schools Need Both?

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes | Last updated: July 2026

Schools do not need to choose between eBooks and print books.

Both formats support reading, but they do different jobs. Print books remain important for browsing, shared reading, library displays and screen-free reading. eBooks help schools extend access beyond the physical library, support flexible reading needs and make books easier to access at school or at home.

In this guide, we’ll compare eBooks and print books, look at where each format works best, and explain why many schools benefit from using both.

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Key Takeaways

• Schools do not need to choose between eBooks and print books. Each format supports reading in different ways.
• Print books remain important for browsing, screen-free reading, classroom routines, library displays and the physical reading experience.
• eBooks help schools extend access beyond the physical library, especially for home reading, holiday reading, class texts and students who need flexible reading tools.
• The best format often depends on the student, the purpose of reading and the learning context.
• A balanced school library collection can use print books and eBooks together to give students more choice, more access and more ways into reading.

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Table of Contents

• eBooks vs Print Books: Quick Comparison
• What Are eBooks?
• What Are Print Books?
• Where Print Books Work Best in Schools
• Where eBooks Work Best in Schools
• Which Format Is Better for Students?
• Why Schools Often Need Both
• What Schools Should Consider
• FAQs

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eBooks vs Print Books: Quick Comparison

eBooks and print books both give students access to reading, but the experience is different. The right format depends on the reader, the text, the purpose and the setting.

Area	Print Books	eBooks
Access	Available when the physical book is in the library, classroom or student’s hands.	Available 24/7 on a device, often at school or at home.
Reading experience	Screen-free, tactile and familiar.	Digital, adjustable and portable.
Accessibility	May require large-print editions or additional support.	May include adjustable font size, spacing, background colour and read-aloud tools where available.
Discovery	Strong for browsing shelves, displays and physical collections.	Strong for search, digital collections, themed lists and remote access.
Class use	Useful for shared reading, visible routines and class sets.	Useful when students need fast access to the same text or flexible access outside class.
Library management	Requires shelving, repairs, returns and physical stock management.	Requires platform access, licensing, digital lending and usage reporting.

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What Are eBooks?

An eBook is a digital version of a book that students can read on a device such as a laptop, tablet, phone or eReader. eBooks are usually accessed through a browser, app or digital library platform.

In schools, eBooks are often used alongside print books and Audiobooks. They can support independent reading, class texts, home reading, research, literacy support and reading for enjoyment.

Depending on the platform, eBooks may also include tools that help students adjust the reading experience. This can include changing font size, line spacing, background colour, adding notes, highlighting passages, bookmarking pages or using read-aloud support where available.

For a more detailed introduction, read our guide: What are eBooks and Why Are Schools Using Them?.

What Are Print Books?

Print books are physical books that students hold, borrow, read and return. They are the foundation of most school library collections and remain an important part of reading culture in schools.

Print books are especially valuable because they are visible, familiar and easy to browse. Students can pick them up, flick through pages, explore covers, read blurbs and discover books through shelves, displays and recommendations.

For many students, print books also provide a more focused reading experience because they do not require a screen, internet connection or device.

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Where Print Books Work Best in Schools

Print books continue to play an important role in school libraries and classrooms. They are not just a traditional format. They support specific reading behaviours that are valuable for students.

Browsing and Discovery

Print books are strong for browsing. Students can walk along shelves, look at covers, pick up books, compare options and discover titles they may not have searched for digitally.

This matters because not every student knows what they want to read. Physical shelves and library displays can guide discovery, especially for students who need help choosing their next book.

Screen-Free Reading

Print books give students a break from screens. This can be useful during independent reading, quiet reading sessions, bedtime reading, library lessons or any situation where schools want students to focus without device distractions.

For some students, print also feels easier to concentrate on because the reading experience is contained within the book itself.

Library Culture and Displays

Print books help create a visible reading culture. Displays, new release shelves, themed collections and recommended reads can make books feel present and inviting in the school environment.

A strong physical collection can also help students see the library as a place for exploration, not only a place to complete tasks.

Younger Readers and Illustrated Books

Print can be especially valuable for younger readers, picture books, graphic novels and highly illustrated titles. The physical page, layout, artwork and shared reading experience can be important parts of how students engage with these books.

For early and primary readers, holding a book, turning pages and reading with an adult or peer can be part of the learning experience.

Shared Reading and Classroom Routines

Print books work well for shared reading, classroom discussion and routines where teachers want students to focus on the same physical text.

They can also be useful when students are annotating with sticky notes, reading in small groups or participating in book talks and library activities.

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Where eBooks Work Best in Schools

eBooks are not better than print books in every situation, but they solve access problems that physical collections cannot always solve on their own.

Access Beyond the Library

eBooks help schools extend reading beyond the physical library. Students can read at home, during holidays, while travelling or outside school hours.

This is especially useful when students forget to borrow a print book, cannot access the library during the day, or want to keep reading after school.

Flexible Reading Tools

eBooks can support students who benefit from a more flexible reading experience. Depending on the platform, students may be able to adjust font size, spacing, background colour or other display settings.

These tools can help students who experience visual fatigue, tracking difficulties, dyslexia, attention challenges or other reading needs.

Fast Access to Titles

eBooks can make it easier for students to access books quickly. Instead of waiting for a physical copy to be returned or visiting the library at a specific time, students can search, borrow and begin reading digitally.

This can be useful for class reading, reading challenges, holiday reading, intervention programs and situations where schools want to promote a collection to many students at once.

Student Privacy and Choice

Some students like the privacy of digital browsing. They can explore books, topics and genres without feeling watched or judged.

This can be helpful for reluctant readers, older students who need reading support, students looking for wellbeing titles, or students who are still working out what kinds of books they enjoy.

Usage Insights

eBooks can give schools useful data about reading activity. A digital library platform can help librarians and school leaders see which titles, formats, year groups or collections are being used.

This can support collection development, promotion, reporting and conversations about the value of the school library.

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Which Format Is Better for Students?

There is no single format that is best for every student, every book or every reading purpose.

Some students prefer print because it feels familiar, focused and easier to browse. Others prefer eBooks because they are portable, adjustable and available on a device. Some students will use both, depending on the book, the setting and how they are reading.

The better question is not whether eBooks or print books are better. The better question is:

Which format helps this student access, enjoy and continue reading?

For example, a student may prefer a print novel for quiet reading in the library, but use an eBook at home during the holidays. Another student may use eBooks because adjustable text settings make reading more comfortable. A class may use print books for shared discussion, but eBooks when students need flexible access outside class.

For schools, format choice should be guided by access, purpose and student need, not by the idea that one format must replace the other.

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Why Schools Often Need Both

Most schools benefit from using both print books and eBooks because each format solves a different reading access problem.

Print books help create a visible, physical reading culture. They support browsing, displays, book talks, shared reading and screen-free reading experiences.

eBooks help extend access beyond the physical collection. They support remote reading, flexible reading tools, digital discovery, student choice and usage reporting.

Together, they give schools more ways to meet students where they are. A student who does not borrow from the shelf may still borrow digitally. A student who prefers print may still use an eBook when they need access from home. A student who finds standard print difficult may benefit from adjustable digital settings.

This is why the strongest school library collections are usually not print-only or digital-only. They are balanced collections that use different formats for different reading needs.

A Balanced Reading Collection

A balanced reading collection might include:

• Print books for browsing, displays, classroom use and screen-free reading.
• eBooks for flexible access, home reading, class texts and adjustable reading tools.
• Audiobooks for students who benefit from listening, fluency modelling or another way into reading.

The goal is not to make every student read in the same way. The goal is to make reading accessible enough that more students can find a way in.

For a broader comparison of digital formats, read our guide: eBooks vs Audiobooks: What’s the Difference for Schools?.

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What Schools Should Consider

When deciding how to balance eBooks and print books, schools should think about how students actually read, borrow and access books.

Student Access

Consider when and where students can access books. If students only have access to reading material during library opening hours, some students may miss out. eBooks can help extend access beyond the school day.

Student Preference

Some students prefer print. Others prefer reading digitally. Many will use both. Giving students choice can make reading feel more personal and less forced.

Reading Purpose

Think about what the reading is for. Print may be best for browsing, displays and shared reading. eBooks may be best for remote access, flexible reading settings, quick search and home reading.

Accessibility Needs

Students who find standard print difficult may benefit from digital reading tools. These may include adjustable font size, spacing, background colour, read-aloud support or translation tools where available.

Collection Management

Print books require shelving, repairs, circulation and physical stock management. eBooks require digital licensing, platform access and promotion. Schools should consider how each format fits their library workflow.

Promotion and Discovery

Neither format works well if students do not know what is available. Print books need displays, book talks and shelf promotion. eBooks need digital collections, homepage promotion, staff reminders and student guidance.

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FAQs

Are eBooks Better Than Print Books?

Not always. eBooks are better for some reading needs, such as flexible access, home reading and adjustable reading settings. Print books are better for other needs, such as browsing, screen-free reading, physical displays and shared reading. Most schools benefit from both.

Do Students Prefer eBooks or Print Books?

Student preference varies. Some students prefer the feel and focus of print books, while others prefer the convenience and flexibility of eBooks. The best approach is to provide choice and help students find the format that supports their reading.

Do eBooks Count as Reading?

Yes, eBooks count as reading. Students are still reading text, building comprehension, developing vocabulary, following ideas and making meaning. The format is digital, but the reading process is still there.

Will eBooks Replace Print Books in Schools?

eBooks do not need to replace print books. They work best as part of a balanced collection, giving students more ways to access books alongside the physical library.

Why Should Schools Use eBooks if They Already Have Print Books?

eBooks help schools extend access beyond the physical library. They can support home reading, holiday reading, students who need adjustable reading tools and students who prefer digital access.

What is the Main Difference Between eBooks and Print Books?

The main difference is format. Print books are physical books students hold and read on paper. eBooks are digital books students read on a device. In schools, this difference affects access, reading experience, accessibility, discovery and collection management.

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Final Thoughts

eBooks and print books should not be treated as a competition. They are different formats that support different reading needs.

Print books remain essential for school libraries, classrooms, browsing, displays and screen-free reading. eBooks add another layer of access, helping students read beyond the physical library and use tools that make reading more flexible.

For most schools, the strongest approach is not choosing one format over the other. It is building a reading culture where students can access books in the format that works best for them.

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