scholarly journals University Students’ Changing Library Needs and Use: A Comparison of 2016 and 2018 Student Surveys

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-89
Author(s):  
Jung Mi Scoulas ◽  
Sandra L. De Groote
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Resource Use ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Student Surveys ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Physical Spaces ◽  
Website Use

Abstract Objective – This study examines differences in university students’ library use and satisfaction (e.g., in-person library visits, online and print resource use, space satisfaction, and library website use) between 2016 and 2018 based on local survey data. It also discusses how these findings provided guidance for future planning and action.     Methods – The academic university library developed the surveys for undergraduate and graduate students and distributed them in Spring 2016 and 2018. Both student surveys focused on examining students’ needs relative to library resources and services, although the 2018 student survey also attempted to quantify students’ library visits and their use of library resources. While the surveys were not identical, the four questions that appeared in both surveys (i.e., library visits, resource use, library space satisfaction, and library website use) were recoded, rescaled, and analyzed to measure the differences in both surveys. Results – The survey results reveal that students’ library visits and use of library resources in 2018 were higher than in 2016. In particular, undergraduate students’ use of library resources in 2016 were lower than those in 2018, whereas graduate students’ use of library resources remained similar in both years. Another key finding indicates that the mean score of students’ library quiet study space satisfaction in 2018 was higher than in 2016. However, when compared to the 2016 survey, there was a decrease in students’ ease of library website use in the 2018 survey. Conclusion – Assessing students’ behavior and satisfaction associated with their use of library physical spaces, resources, and services should be conducted on an ongoing basis. Over time, the survey findings can be used as evidence based data to communicate patterns of users’ behavior and satisfaction with various stakeholders, identify areas for improvement or engagement, and demonstrate the library’s impact. Survey results can also inform further strategic and assessment planning.

STEM undergraduate students: library use, perceptions and GPA

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Mi Scoulas
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stem Disciplines ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
User Groups ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Online Library

PurposeThis study aims to examine if differences exist in undergraduate students' library use, perceptions and grade point average (GPA) among science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM disciplines.Design/methodology/approachThe current study used data from the 2018 student survey. Among 2,277 students who completed the survey (response rate = 8%), only undergraduate students (n = 1,265) were selected for this study because the current study aims to examine the differences between STEM and non-STEM undergraduate students.FindingsThe findings from a Mann–Whitney U test revealed that STEM respondents perceived specific library resources (subject and course guide, library instructions and library workshops) as slightly less than non-STEM respondents. The results from ANOVA demonstrated that the mean scores in GPA for STEM respondents who never used online library, journals and databases were lower than respondents who used those library resources, regardless of STEM and non-STEM disciplines.Originality/valueRevisiting the data collected and analyzing specific user groups will be valuable to academic libraries because this study will provide academic librarians with a deeper understanding of specific user needs and perceptions of library resources and services.

scholarly journals Testing an Academic Library Website for Usability with Faculty and Graduate Students

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Z. Emde ◽  
Sara E. Morris ◽  
Monica Claassen-Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Front Page ◽  
Federated Search ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Search Tool ◽  
The University ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
New Discovery

Objectives - This usability study was developed to observe faculty and graduate students’ reactions to a recent redesign of the University of Kansas (KU) Libraries’ website. The redesign included new navigational features, introduction of a federated search tool, a quick search box on the front page, and research subject pages. The study also provided the opportunity to observe the practices of faculty and graduate students in locating and retrieving information on the Libraries’ website. Methods - Ten participants (five faculty and five graduate students) representing diverse disciplines were solicited for the study. Participants were required to access the Libraries’ website to answer a series of questions regarding new and updated features of the website. Observational analysis using Morae™ software was conducted and interviews with each participant provided details of their opinions on how these new features would influence their research and teaching activities. Results - Most of the participants either did not notice or ignored the major website changes. Links to and locations of commonly used resources (e.g. catalogue; databases; e-journals) had been changed minimally, and the faculty and graduate student participants gravitated to those familiar features to complete tasks. Prior to the study, participants had not accessed the new discovery tools; however, once previewed, responses to the tools’ utility were generally favourable. After using the federated search tool on a familiar topic, several participants noted that, when directed to databases they had not previously considered, they were able to locate citations they had missed in the past. Observers noted pitfalls in navigating the site such as inconsistent underscoring of links, ambiguous terminology, and unclear icons meant to expand subject heading lists. Unexpected searching behaviours were observed, including inconsistent and lack of conceptual understanding in searching for e-journal content. Conclusions - This study provides evidence regarding the usability of a library website with a population already familiar with library resources. It demonstrated that faculty and graduate students are not interested in experimenting with new discovery tools but are amenable to their potential value to undergraduate students. The recent trend toward minimizing content and links on websites satisfies this population, one which is already comfortable with the basic attributes of a library’s website.

scholarly journals An Exploration of Yemeni University Students’ Attitudes towards Learning Linguistic Courses Using Google Classroom

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Mohammad Al-Mekhlafi
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
College Of Education ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Learning Tool ◽  
Fourth Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Students Attitudes

This research paper intends to investigate the attitudes of Yemeni university students towards using Google Classroom as a learning tool. It also aims to explore any similarities and differences between graduate and undergraduate students and between males and females in terms of their attitudes towards using Google Classroom as a learning tool. This study employed a quantitative approach. One hundred and twenty students of the fourth level of the B.Ed. program and forty students enrolled in the M.Ed. program at the Department of English in the College of Education at Sana’a University in Yemen participated in this study during the academic year 2018/2019. Data were collected using a questionnaire whose analysis revealed a positive attitude towards using Google Classroom as a learning tool. The findings of this study indicated that the highest mean average among the five components of the attitude scale was the Behavioral Engagement (BE) (M= 4.09), followed by Developing Language Skills (M= 4.04) and the Linguistics Confidence (M= 3.92). Finally came the Attitude to Learning Linguistics with Technology (M= 3.76) and the Technology Confidence (M= 3.56). This study concluded that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean of the undergraduate and graduate students towards using Google Classroom as a learning tool in favor of the graduate students. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between male and female students in terms of their attitudes towards using Google Classroom. This study ends with some pedagogical implications and directions for future research studies. Keywords Google classroom, students’ attitudes, gender, linguistics courses

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 induced lockdown on physical activity and sedentary behavior among university students: A systematic review

Medwave ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (08) ◽  
pp. e8456-e8456
Author(s):  
Paola Andrea Rivera ◽  
Bojan Luc Nys ◽  
Fabián Fiestas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
University Students ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Impact

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has entailed a significant socio-economic impact on various layers of the population. In many countries, attempts to control viral dissemination involved lockdown measures that limited citizens' overall mobility and professional and leisure activities. Objective This systematic review investigates the impact of COVID-19-induced lockdowns on university student physical activity and sedentary behav-ior, as these relate to physical and mental well-being. Methods Data was collected through PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, and APA PsycInfo databases until January 2021. Results Seven studies conducted in five different countries (United States, Spain, Italy, China, and United Kingdom) were included in the final review. Overall, most studies reported a significant decrease in mild physical activity (i.e., walking) among undergraduate students but not among graduate students. Consistently, most studies reported a significant increase in sedentary time (i.e., sitting time on weekdays) in undergraduate students but not in graduate students. We observed that students who were more sedentary previous to lockdown, increased or did not change their moderate and/or vigorous physical activity. In contrast, those who were less sedentary previous to lockdown decreased their moderate and/or vigorous physical activity. Conclusions COVID 19 induced lockdowns appear to have negatively affected walking and sedentary behavior among undergraduate students but not among graduate students. Our results highlight the importance of promoting the World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity and sedentary behavior among university students to improve health outcomes.

E-Service Delivery in Higher Education

2013 ◽  
pp. 194-204
Author(s):  
Matt Elbeck ◽  
Brian A. Vander Schee
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Business Administration ◽  
Master Of Business Administration ◽  
Website Design ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Student Loyalty ◽  
Business Administration Students ◽  
Survey Results

This study explores graduate students’ expectations regarding website design in higher education. Focus group discussions and the Kano method are used to improve the college website experience of Master of Business Administration students. Student survey results (n = 110) suggest 23 features describing an ideal college website. Results guide college website design according to three need-based groups; basic, performance, and excitement to improve website value to students and ultimately student loyalty.

Suicid among Japanese university students-from the results of a 21-year survey

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1651-1651
Author(s):  
C. Uchida
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Academic Year

More than 30,000 suicides a year have occurred continuously in Japan. Suicide among university students has been a top priority for those engaged in mental health in universities. In this study, I clarified the characteristics of university students’ suicide and identified risk groups through the 21 years’ survey. I also aimed to probe background factors to help setting up preventive measures.The subject was undergraduate students at national universities in either 4 or 6 years programs, and the data were annually collected by means of a questionnaire from universities. The survey results of the 21 years from 1985 to 2005 were gathered, and I statistically analyzed the longitudinal changes in the suicide rate over this time period and the correlation between the suicide rates and sex, major, academic year, psychiatric disorders, the methods of suicide, etc. using the chi-square test and residual analysis. Altogether 735,496 students were surveyed, and 987 among them had committed suicide. Since 1996, the suicide rate has been the top cause of death. Holdover students, among whom we often find withdrawing students so-called “Hikikomori”, were a high-risk group for suicide as well as male medical students, male arts students and male dentistry students. More than eighty percent of the students who committed suicide had not been to university health centers or diagnosed by psychiatrists. For the method of suicide, hanging and taking a death-leap were frequently seen among them.A clue to prevent suicide among university students was found from these results.

International STEM graduate students: reaching a deeper understanding

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-165
Author(s):  
Jen-Chien Yu ◽  
Kelli Jean Trei ◽  
Jamie Carlstone
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stem Students ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to better understand the perceptions international STEM students have of the library and higher education based on their responses to the Ithaka S+R Graduate Student Survey. Design/methodology/approach To better understand these groups, this study conducted the Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon test on the Ithaka survey results to compare the groups and identify any statistically significant differences that the international STEM graduate students group (ISG) has to other groups. Findings This paper found that ISG valued Higher Education objective variables more than the non-ISG group, with the exception of one question. The ISG group also valued 7 of the 13 role of the library (ROL) variables statistically different. Research limitations/implications Since the students self-reported as international or STEM, the authors are unable to assess whether the response pool is representative of the university as a whole. Practical implications By understanding how international/STEM students may differ from other populations, libraries can better design spaces and services for these groups. Originality/value Existing studies tend to focus on international students or STEM students and information literacy. This study intends to fill a gap in the understanding of how these groups perceive the ROL and their education.

scholarly journals Student Surveys: Measuring the Relationship between Satisfaction and Engagement

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 297
Author(s):  
Camille Kandiko Howson ◽  
Frederico Matos
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Student Experience ◽  
Education Student ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Student Surveys ◽  
Outcome Goals ◽  
Experience Survey ◽  
Learning And Change ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Relationship

This study explores the relationship between satisfaction and engagement survey items through an institutionally based survey, drawing on the two largest higher education student experience surveys in the world. The UK-based National Student Survey (NSS) was designed to inform student choice and drive competition and the US-based National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) was developed to provide actionable data for institutional enhancement. Comparing these surveys leads to a critical review of how such data can be used for policy decisions and institutional enhancement. The Institutional Experience Survey thus draws on findings from a survey of 1480 non-final year undergraduate students in a research-intensive UK university. Those who reported higher levels of engagement, measured across 17 engagement benchmarks, also reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction. Results are used to discuss the application of engagement-based surveys in the UK, compared to satisfaction-based surveys, and the benefits and challenges of both approaches. Conclusions are made about the usefulness of nationally standardised experience surveys, the different outcome goals of engagement and satisfaction, such as responsibility for learning and change, audience and results and lessons for other countries looking to measure the student experience. The paper highlights the need for a shift in perspective in relation to the role of student surveys in determining national and institutional policy from a student-as-customer approach to one that sees students and institutions as co-responsible for learning and engagement.

Advocating for Transgender and Non-Binary Affirmative Spaces in Graduate Education

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Knutson ◽  
Em Matsuno ◽  
Chloe Goldbach ◽  
Halleh Hashtpari ◽  
Nathan Grant Smith
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Graduate Education ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Educational Success ◽  
Post Secondary Education ◽  
Identity Exploration ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Social Ecological

Nearly 50% of graduate students report experiencing emotional or psychological distress during their enrollment in graduate school. Levels of distress are particularly high for transgender and non-binary graduate students who experience daily discrimination and marginalization. Universities and colleges have yet to address and accommodate the needs and experiences of transgender and non-binary graduate students. Given the multitude of challenges these students may face, educational settings should not present additional barriers to educational success and well-being. In an effort to improve graduate education for transgender and non-binary students, we add to the existing scholarship on affirming work with transgender undergraduate students by addressing the unique concerns of graduate students. We utilize a social-ecological model to identify sources of discrimination in post-secondary education and to provide transgender- and non-binary-affirming recommendations at structural, interpersonal, and individual levels. For practitioners who wish to do personal work, we provide guidance for multicultural identity exploration. A table of recommendations and discussion of ways to implement our recommendations are provided.

scholarly journals Remote learning and students’ mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic: A mixed-method enquiry

Prospects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Lischer ◽  
Netkey Safi ◽  
Cheryl Dickson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Distance Teaching ◽  
Learning Conditions ◽  
Support Students

AbstractThe disruption caused by Covid-19 in the educational sector may last longer than originally predicted. To better understand the current situation, this article analyses the mental health status of university students during the pandemic and investigates the learning conditions needed to support students. The sample included 557 undergraduate students who took part in an online survey. Overall, the students reported coping well during lockdown but indicated that lecturers were challenged by distance teaching, which created some stress for the students.

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