International Students and the Academic Library: A Case Study

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renée Morrissey ◽  
Lisa M. Given
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Chinese Graduate Students ◽  
Langue Seconde ◽  
The University

This paper presents a pilot study that examined the experiences of Chinese graduate students in using the University of Alberta Libraries. The findings outline the challenges faced by students with respect to working in a second language and navigating library technologies, with a focus on the students’ information literacy skills.Cet article présente une étude pilote qui a examiné les expériences des étudiants chinois de 3e cycle qui utilisent les bibliothèques universitaires de l’Université d’Alberta. Les résultats mettent en relief les défis auxquels les étudiants sont confrontés lors de l’utilisation d’une langue seconde et des technologies offertes par les bibliothèques, et s’attardent sur les compétences en culture de l’information des étudiants. 

Communicating value through strategic engagement

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 154-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Walter
Keyword(s):  
Academic Library ◽  
First Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Campus Engagement ◽  
Library Assessment ◽  
Culture Of Assessment ◽  
The University ◽  
Library Value ◽  
University Setting

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore ways in which “library value” may be communicated in a university setting through more effective engagement with strategic planning and a broader array of campus partners. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a case study of an academic library in which alignment with the university mission and strategic plan and alignment of library assessment efforts with the broader culture of assessment at the university have resulted in positive gains for the library in terms of campus engagement and recognition of library value. Findings This paper provides insights into successful strategies for improved communication of library value to senior leadership, new investment in library facilities, and enhanced opportunities for collaboration across the university on strategic initiatives including student success, innovation in teaching and scholarship, and community engagement. Originality/value This paper provides library leaders with new approaches to engagement with campus partners and senior academic leadership in promoting the library as a strategic resource worthy of investment in the twenty-first century.

scholarly journals Integration of library services in the context of building university information environment. (Case study of Prioksky State University)

2016 ◽  
pp. 44-51
Author(s):  
Olga Borisova ◽  
Natalya Styopina
Keyword(s):  
Academic Library ◽  
Social Institution ◽  
State University ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
The Social ◽  
Service Oriented ◽  
Quality Of Living ◽  
The University

The service-oriented approach of the university academic library is highlighted: The social institution of services is to increase quality of living, to be a tool of socializing and adaptation. The authors conclude that in the context of the education new paradigm the services make the focus of Prioksky State University Library to foster efficient library operation and coordination within the university divisions.

scholarly journals Information literacy challenges for Chinese PhD students in Australia: A biographical study

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinghe Han
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Relational Model ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Biographical Approach ◽  
Significant Life ◽  
Biographical Study ◽  
The University ◽  
Research Studies

This study explored the information literacy (IL) development of international higher degree research (HDR) students from China as they undertook their research studies in an Australian university. International HDR students need advanced IL skills to complete their research degree. However, IL research and training in western countries has tended to regard international HDR students no differently from their undergraduate counterparts. That is, there has been a focus on basic information skills rather than considering the more complicated and advanced IL needs within a research context. The project presented in this paper aimed to explore this gap. Three international PhD students from China participated in this research. A biographical approach was used to collect the data, and a total of 222 reflective accounts were collected from the participants over a period of fifteen months. In these reflections, they recorded significant life and study experiences at the University of Western Sydney. This approach allowed the participants freedom to express their thoughts and feelings without interruption and enabled them to speak frankly and freely without prejudice. The approach to data analysis underpinning this study was based on Bruce’s (1997) relational model of IL. The findings indicate that these international HDR students experience significant difficulties in developing their IL skills during their research studies in their western university. The complex nature of research study, which demands high levels of IL, significantly contributes to these difficulties, as do the different language and culture of international students which pose additional challenges to their information use. This article concludes with recommendations for research supervisors and librarians to consider in the provision of IL education for international students.

Information literacy assessment by portfolio: a case study

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Sonley ◽  
Denise Turner ◽  
Sue Myer ◽  
Yvonne Cotton
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Literacy Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Cohort ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the results of a case study evaluating the revision of the assessment methods of an information literacy module. The revised assessment method took the form of a portfolio.Design/methodology/approachDuring 2004, all six credit modules at the University of Teesside had to be reviewed and restructured into ten credit modules. Following Biggs' principles of constructive alignment, the tutors looked at the existing module aims and learning outcomes. A review of the literature and previous experience informed the selection of the new assessment method by portfolio. An evaluation of the assessment method was undertaken after the module had run.FindingsThe paper finds that the assessment method had real strengths especially in terms of validity. It was also economical and efficient. Students knew what they were expected to do and where they needed to put in effort.Research limitations/implicationsThe assessment by a portfolio method has been carried out once with a relatively small cohort of students, so the findings can only be regarded as interim.Practical implicationsThe tutors believe that they have created a very useful module with an aligned assessment method which would be of benefit to a much greater number of studentsOriginality/valueThere is a shortage of publications that report the results of the use of portfolios for the assessment of information literacy.

Assessing an academic library performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study in UAE

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdoulaye Kaba
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
Digital Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Significant Difference

PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to assess and compare the performance of an academic library, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on data collected from the library management system, usage reports of online databases, and monthly reports and archives to evaluate and assess library performance in managerial activities, collection development, collection treatment, collection circulation, usage of digital resources, quality control, reference services and information literacy activities. Frequency distributions and non-parametric tests were used in identifying differences and testing hypotheses.FindingsThe study found that library performance before the COVID-19 pandemic outperformed library performance during the pandemic in collection development, collection treatment, collection circulation, access and use of digital resources, quality control and information literacy. On the other hand, the library demonstrated higher performance in managerial activities and reference services during the COVID-19 pandemic than that of before the pandemic period. Interestingly, the analysis of the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test revealed statistically no significant difference in the library performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results supported all the eight hypotheses stated in this study.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a case study based on data collected from an academic library in the UAE before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings may not be generalized and may differ if more data are analyzed from many academic libraries.Practical implicationsCOVID-19 pandemic is a turning point for library managers to increase the number of digital resources and services, to ensure that library staff are equipped with essential and up-to-date information and communication technology (ICT) skills and knowledge, to ensure that library users are equipped with essential and up-to-date information literacy skills and knowledge. These will enable them to satisfy users' information needs and ensure library operation in disasters and crisis periods.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies conducted in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to evaluate library performance before and during COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the study could be an important reference in understanding how libraries responded to COVID-19 pandemic in the Middle East. The results of the study may contribute to the provision of digital resources and services during the pandemic and disasters in the UAE and the Arab world.

Researcher Unbound and National University of Singapore (NUS) Libraries' Evolving Role in Supporting University Research

2021 ◽  
pp. 216-246
Author(s):  
Fang Chiong (Patrick) Pu ◽  
Su Yian Kho ◽  
Ke Khoon Low ◽  
Amy Chou
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
University Research ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Continual Improvement ◽  
National University ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
The University

As a discipline-neutral entity, knowledge exchange, and nexus of the university, the National University of Singapore (NUS) Libraries is the ideal conduit for bringing together faculties and departments to facilitate cross-disciplinary education and research. This case study gives a detailed walkthrough on the creation and design of the Research Skills Framework (RSF), which forms the backbone for all information literacy programmes (ILPs), specifically the flagship Researcher Unbound (RU) programme and RU Symposium, and shares challenges faced and future improvement plans. The exploration, design, and continual improvement of the programme ensured that NUS Libraries provides relevant and timely research support and enhances the digital information literacy skills of the NUS community. This programme continues to be a work in progress drawn from participants' feedback, attendance, experience, and insights from seven semestral runs and cumulative total of 172 workshop sessions.

Developing Committees to Create a Web Content Management System

2011 ◽  
pp. 216-236
Author(s):  
Sarah Robbins ◽  
Debra Engel
Keyword(s):  
Web Site ◽  
Management System ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Content Management ◽  
Content Management System ◽  
Web Content ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
University Of Oklahoma ◽  
The University

This case study examines the use of committees to develop a Web content management system in an academic library. It explains the process undertaken at the University of Oklahoma Libraries (libraries.ou.edu) to move from an HTML to a database-driven Web site and the issues involved with using committees to steer such projects. Creating a framework where librarians use locally developed content management tools to control Web site content while the systems office retains control of the presentation of content is also discussed. Another aspect of the case study includes the evolution of Web committees in the organization, the development of a system-wide philosophy, and the gradual acceptance of the Web site as a service that demands continual attention. The authors hope readers will benefit from these experiences when implementing similar projects.

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