For decades, scholarly communication in the sciences has been framed as journal-first. But emerging evidence—from AI-generated research summaries to student discovery behaviors—suggests that STEM book content may be more influential, visible, and valuable than we often assume. While journal articles provide an in-depth exploration of a specific research question, books provide foundational knowledge for students and cross-disciplinary researchers looking for a solid introduction to a new area of study.

This webinar featured a lively discussion of student research habits, how users encounter book content alongside other formats, and how AI discovery tools are changing the game.

Whether you support STEM collections, teach information literacy, or navigate data-driven deselection pressures, this webinar offers a timely opportunity to rethink assumptions and elevate the role of books in scientific scholarship.