First published in 1974, Students and Books examines key questions about British university undergraduate reading habits of the time: What guidance on reading did undergraduates receive from their lecturers? What use did they make of their university libraries? How much money did they spend on books? Based on a one-in-five sample of all undergraduates at the University of Sheffield, this detailed report and analysis remains essential reading for university lecturers and librarians, academic booksellers and publishers, as well as educationists and sociologists.

Peter Mann, well known for his research into book usage, explores the channels of communication between four groups concerned with books—lecturers, librarians, booksellers and students—and demonstrates how some communication links were utilized more than others during this period. He examines in detail the advice given to undergraduates by lecturers about books and reading, students’ use of libraries, and their book purchasing patterns. Statistical tables with analyses by years of study and faculty are included, and throughout the commentary is enlivened by quotations from the students themselves.