Barriers and Opportunities in Adopting E-Libraries and E-Textbooks in Myanmar: A Comprehensive Survey of Educational Institutions

E-libraries and e-textbooks are essential tools for modern educational development, offering enhanced access to knowledge, flexibility in learning, and the ability to integrate interactive and multimedia resources. E-libraries and e-textbooks are essential tools for modern educational development, offering enhanced access to knowledge, flexibility in learning, and the ability to integrate interactive and multimedia resources. These digital platforms have the potential to bridge gaps in education, particularly in regions where physical resources are limited. This study explores the integration of e-libraries and e-textbooks within Myanmar’s higher education system, identifying key barriers and opportunities for digital adoption. The primary hypothesis of this study posits that inadequate technological infrastructure, financial constraints, and cultural resistance significantly hinder the adoption and usage of e-libraries and e-textbooks in Myanmar’s educational institutions. A survey of 310 students and teachers from two universities and five colleges revealed high awareness of these digital resources, but actual usage remains low due to inadequate technological infrastructure, financial constraints, and cultural preferences for traditional learning methods. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires, and the results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify patterns and correlations among various demographic groups. In rural areas, unreliable internet access and frequent power outages present significant challenges, while the high cost of digital devices and internet subscriptions further restricts access. Additionally, older teachers expressed a lack of familiarity with digital tools, contributing to a preference for traditional teaching methods. The study emphasizes the need for targeted investments in digital learning infrastructure, financial assistance for technology acquisition, and comprehensive training programs to build digital literacy among both younger and older teachers. These findings contribute to understanding the unique challenges faced by Myanmar in integrating digital tools into education and suggest actionable strategies to increase digital equity and educational effectiveness across the country. Addressing these barriers can help Myanmar’s education system fully benefit from the advantages of digital resources, ultimately improving accessibility, inclusivity, and the overall quality of education.