Student perceptions (and the reality) of percentage of journal articles found through full-text databases

Researchers [Coll. Res. Libr. 63 (2002) 515] have theorized that content and functionality affect whether people choose to retrieve journal articles from full-text electronic databases or from print copies. Full-text databases are often rated higher in functionality (i.e., convenience). This article examines why students may also believe that full-text databases have superior content. In addition, psychology students were asked what percentage of relevant psychology articles was available online and in print at their library and a neighboring institution. Students greatly overestimated how many articles were available online. The paper further discusses when students will exclusively choose full-text databases and what librarians can do to help combat the problem of exclusively using full-text databases.