scholarly journals International Students and the Canadian University

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-80
Author(s):  
Stacey Zip
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Student Success ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
International Student ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Student Organizations ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Barriers To Success ◽  
Student Body ◽  
Canadian Context

This paper explores the dynamic international student populations within Canadian academic institutions and their relationship with the academic library. The international student body has evolving needs that must be adequately addressed by the library and institution if growing numbers are to continue being supported. Plagiarism, language barriers, and an unawareness of library services are well-known barriers to success, while more current issues such as changing technologies are equally problematic. Through such efforts as hiring an international student librarian, academic libraries may discover the specific issues facing their institution’s international students and begin the process of addressing them in a tailored manner. Data collection would be a priority for better understanding the international students, as would partnering with professors and student organizations to market library services and promote information literacy in a Canadian context. The international student librarian may also provide continued outreach to this demographic that is inclusive, proactive, and collaborative, which would in turn create an atmosphere that fosters international student success and is able to support rising numbers.

An assessment of academic library services: international and domestic students perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 631-653
Author(s):  
Sanaz Soltani ◽  
Shahrokh Nikou
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Domestic Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

PurposeInformation literacy is defined as discrete abilities that a person requires to have in order to find, assess, use and share information. As information literacy skills play a prominent role in the students' academic achievement, students and in particular international students coming to continue their postgraduate studies in other countries may face problems in finding and using library services. The purpose of this paper is to explore and investigate the information literacy skills, challenges and needs of international and domestic students at the Finnish universities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey (82 respondents) and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 international and 10 domestic students.FindingsAcademic library services are used but in different ways. The findings indicate that international students have a relatively low level of information literacy skills compared to domestic students and faces various challenges, especially in the beginning of their studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was exploratory, and data were collected from limited number of Finnish universities and may not be representative of the underlying population.Practical implicationsAcademic libraries should provide effective courses on research methods and library services to the international students while keeping in mind the international students language and cultural barriers.Originality/valueThis is one of the first attempts in information literacy research that focusses on international and domestic students' information literacy skills at the higher education environment. As such, the results provided in this paper can help librarians and decision-makers at the higher education environments to plan better and become more efficient in delivering information services meeting students' information needs and expectations.

Information Literacy Instruction for International Students

2015 ◽  
pp. 117-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia Zanin-Yost
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
International Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Sense Of Community ◽  
International Student ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
The United States ◽  
Student Population ◽  
Diversity Awareness ◽  
Academic Mission

International students bring cultural and diversity awareness to an institution, but they also bring a variety of assumptions about how research is conducted in the United States. In developing an outreach plan to international students, the academic library should create services that cater specifically to this student population. By developing collaborations with other campus units, the library can foster academic success and at the same time build a sense of community for the undergraduate international student population. The chapter illustrates how through collaboration the library can become an active participant in supporting the academic mission of the institution, foster a sense of belonging among the students, and strengthen campus relationships among various entities, in particular, international students.

Social introduction to library services for international students

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng-Ru Sheu ◽  
Roman S. Panchyshyn
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Social Function ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Target Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness that a social function, an international student reception, has on making international students comfortable with library services and resources in an American academic library at Kent State University. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire was used to collect responses from attendees of an international student reception. The questionnaire was distributed both in-person and by e-mail. Ninety-three valid responses were received. The descriptive survey method was used in the study. Findings The findings reveal that the reception is attracting its target market, international students who have been enrolled at the university for less than one year. Food selection is critical to the success of the reception. However, there is room for improvement in many areas, such as the timing of the event, physical location and interactions between library staff and the international students. Research limitations/implications The survey was limited to only the international students who could attend the reception. Practical implications The study shows that partnership between the library and another department on campus (Office of Global Education) was a major key in the success of these receptions. Also, findings support that the comfort level of the students is a critical factor for the introduction of library services to international students. Future research is needed to measure the long-term impact of social event on library use. Originality/value This is the first case study in the literature where an academic library evaluates the impact of a social function, a reception, to gauge its ability to make international students comfortable with the library and its services.

scholarly journals Strategies to Enhance Student Success: A Discourse Analysis of Academic Advice in International Student Handbooks

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-139
Author(s):  
Nick J. Romerhausen
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
International Students ◽  
Student Success ◽  
International Student ◽  
Colleges And Universities ◽  
Classroom Culture ◽  
Barriers To Success ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Mediated Discourse ◽  
Instructional Styles

As the population of international students continues to rise at U.S. colleges and universities, multiple academic obstacles pose barriers to success. Research on strategies of intervention has primarily included face-to-face interactions while an exploration of other assistance approaches is minimal in comparison. This study explored the role that mediated discourse plays in supporting international students with navigating paths through U.S. colleges and universities, by examining seven institutions’ assistance handbooks. Discourse analysis allowed for an in-depth investigation of the academic advice available to international students concerning classroom culture, instructional styles, relationships with instructors, assessment, and academic honesty.

scholarly journals Providing Meaningful Interactions at KOSEN between Japanese and International Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 01003
Author(s):  
Richard Grumbine ◽  
Natsuki Aka ◽  
Riho Hirano
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Traditional Classroom ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Student Body ◽  
Japanese Students ◽  
Japanese Student ◽  
Basic Ideas ◽  
The One ◽  
In The Beginning

Internationalizing the Japanese students at KOSEN has proven difficult. While KOSEN welcomes international students with the hope of internationalizing the almost entirely Japanese student body, the challenge has been to get the Japanese students to interact with the international students and take advantage of the opportunity. Far too often international students live in a bubble and have meaningful contact with only a few students. This leaves the international students feeling isolated and the Japanese students not benefiting from the opportunity that KOSEN is trying to provide. Ariake KOSEN attempted to address this problem in two ways. A discussion class which included international students was created where the students were expected to discuss pre-assigned topics in small groups over the course of a semester. These groups often contained an international student. This forced exposure created a chance for Japanese students to communicate with international students. This communication was then seen continuing well beyond the discussion exercises. A survey was given at the completion of the one semester class to evaluate effectiveness. The results show that students found the opportunity to be helpful and in line with their own learning goals. Another approach was to create a more casual place for students to gather and interact with international students. An English Lab was created to give the students a place to interact outside of the traditional classroom atmosphere. This second effort is just in the beginning stages but the basic ideas are laid out in this paper. Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that the Lab is working, with usage on the part of Japanese students being high, but the international students seem less inclined to use the room.

Readiness of academic libraries in South Africa to research, teaching and learning support in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 355-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis N. Ocholla ◽  
Lyudmila Ocholla
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution

PurposeIn this paper, we refer to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in 2016, where the concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) was coined by Klaus Schwab, with the reference that it would be building on “the Third, the digital revolution” and would be “characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres”. While acknowledging that the 4IR will impact on everything, everywhere, including research and libraries, we conceptualize 4IR, and we compare current academic library services/trends in South Africa with 4IR requirements, through the analysis of 26 public university library websites.Design/methodology/approachBesides conceptualization of 4IR, a content analysis of websites of 26 public universities’ libraries in South Africa was achieved followed up with verification of the data by respective libraries through a preliminary research report circulated to them by email. 23 areas were identified as the trends in academic libraries, which included free Wi-Fi in the libraries; 24/7 study areas and access to library resources on and off campus; research commons; makerspace; borrowing ICTs (e.g. laptops); e-resources; e-catalogues; research data services (RDS; RDM, IR); open scholarship; information literacy and reference/bibliographic tools, library as a publisher, among others. Data obtained were captured in Excel and analyzed by the research questions.FindingsThe 4IR concept does not occur often in literature, in relation to academic libraries, but it is implied. The findings show that the libraries are responding well to the revolution through their services, with remarkable innovation and creativity on display. There was a 64% presence of the analyzed trends/services in the libraries, with emerging trends/services such as library as a publisher (4%), robotics/AI (4%), makerspace (8%), RDS (27%), borrowing of ICTs/devices (19%) and user experience (19%) scoring low, while information literacy and digital scholarship (e.g. IR) (88%), e-catalogue and e-resources (92%), group study area (85%) and off campus access (77%) scoring above 75%. The scatter of the trends/services among the university libraries is noted for knowledge sharing of best practice.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to improve accordance with trends, academic libraries have to be better resourced, accessed and used, as well as improve web visibility. The study expects library services to be responsive, resourced and accessible anytime and anywhere, and it provides a conceptual framework and a benchmark for further research and exploration in the country, region and perhaps elsewhere.Practical implicationsThe study can be used for benchmarking current and future academic library services in Africa. The conceptual framework provides an agenda for theoretical discussions and deliberations.Social implicationsThe trends, framework and 4IR representations in the study can inform theory and practice in LIS, particularly in Africa.Originality/valueLinking 4IR to current and future library services provides a tool for academic libraries services benchmarking and development and provides a conceptual framework for theoretical and practical debates and implementation. The study is quite current and appropriate for the ongoing discussions of 4IR implications to academic libraries.

scholarly journals 'Pākēhā Librarianship at the Interface': Being an ally in Māori student success through teaching and learning information literacies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Alexander J. R. Ritchie
Keyword(s):  
Student Success ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Student Development ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Culturally Relevant ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Student Diversity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Mutual Respect

<p>Research problem: Emerging from significant bicultural change within Aotearoa New Zealand libraries in the past 25 years, this research examines and attempts to implement an relationshipbased, culturally relevant approach to teaching and learning information literacy in an academic library, building on an approach outline by Roy, Lilley and Luehrsen (2011). Methodology: This exploratory study employed an action research methodology and was conducted within the Division of Sciences at Otago University. It sought to consult Māori staff and senior postgraduates, and then develop a teaching intervention for undergraduate Māori science students, then evaluate it with them. Weaving a research framework incorporating Kaupapa Māori theory, Research at the Interface, & Pākēhā as Ally of Tino Rangatiratanga, it was planned in three stages; observe & plan; act; and evaluate. Results: Only the initial stage was able to be carried out due to time constraints.Preliminary findings cover six main themes addressing student support and information literacy teaching with undergraduate Māori science students, including: the challenges of 'crossing the library threshold' and sustaining student engagement, developing ongoing relationships of integrity and reciprocity in the library, holistic student development and recognising student diversity, and finally culturally-relevant teaching for effective learning. Reflections on researching as pākēhā with Māori staff and students at in university context, and noted the importance of timing and place in supporting Māori students, and the need for relationships of integrity and mutual respect enabled by ongoing communication. Implications: Academic libraries can improve support for Māori student success at University, and pākehā librarians must take a role supporting this work. Culturally-relevant models of teaching and learning information literacy, combined with attention to developing relationships of trust, reciprocity and mutual respect, may improve Māori student success and support development of both library staff and relevant, effective library services. Future research could examine the use of storytelling and song in 'interface' information literacies teaching and learning as well as investigating mixed methods evaluation of this approach, and explore cross-cultural rituals of encounter in the library.</p>

scholarly journals More International Students Coming to Russia: Pros and Cons

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-256
Author(s):  
Olga V. Dekhnich ◽  
Olga V. Lyutova ◽  
Mikhail A. Trubitsyn ◽  
Elena S. Danilova
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
International Student ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Student Body ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Russian Universities ◽  
Small And Medium Business

Introduction. Despite numerous research works on international students’ training at Russian universities, no analysis of efforts to increase student body has been made so far. In this paper, the authors analyze various aspects of policies aimed at increasing international students’ body (economic advantages, sociocultural benefits, education system changes, international students’ adaptation management). The goal of the paper is to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the international students’ rise in the total population of Russian universities. Materials and Methods. The study comprised several stages, including statistical data screening, analysis of international students’ adaptation measures efficiency, the education process participants’ survey and observation of the activities of public agencies responsible for international students’ stay and study in Russia. The survey involved about 100 university employees, an equal amount of small and medium business representatives and 500 international students from Russian universities. 500 international students participated in a questionnaire survey, and digital content of Russian universities’ websites has been analyzed in order to obtain data necessary for the study. Results. The study revealed a trend toward a rise in international student body at Russian universities, with advantages including higher universities’ incomes, jobs preservation despite the demographic instability, and development of the region’s small and medium business owing to an increased demand for goods and services. The trend also provided socio-cultural and educational benefits and revealed the need to manage students’ adaptation, as well as to establish and develop interaction between universities and federal agencies. Discussion and Conclusion. The research results provide a contribution to education and student body management and regional business strategy planning. The findings may be of assistance to heads of recruitment agencies and bodies responsible for accompanying international students at the place of stay, as well as to service industry managers.

scholarly journals International students in Hungarian higher education

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 113-132
Author(s):  
Szilvia Vincze ◽  
Zoltán Bács
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
The Body ◽  
Special Importance ◽  
Student Body ◽  
The Past ◽  
Processing Data ◽  
Detailed Assessment ◽  
Jel Code

Overall, higher education in Hungary is popular with students from abroad, even if there are significant differences in terms of its structure. The ever-faster increase in the annual headcount of the international student body serves as proof to this statement. The expansion of the size of the body of international students is of special importance in higher education since in 2016 the Hungarian government set the objective of having 40,000 international students by 2023 (EMMI, 2016). Numerous studies have been published on this topic, usually focusing on specific issues, including, for example, the countries from which we receive most of the students, the most popular majors, possible economic advantages due to the presence of a great number of international students, and how internationalization takes place in higher education in Hungary.   By means of processing data published by the Hungarian Educational Authority [Oktatási Hivatal], this paper aims to present the changes in the number of international students in Hungary over the past ten years. This also includes the discussion of the structure of these changes related to a variety of issues such as relations, types of institutions and their ownership, levels and types of programs, as well as gender proportions. However, even with this effort, the officially available statistics are suitable for presenting a properly detailed assessment of the situation only to a limited extent. JEL code: I23

Academic Libraries' Mobile Initiatives and Research from 2010 to the Present

2016 ◽  
pp. 118-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Blummer ◽  
Jeffrey M. Kenton
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Quick Response ◽  
Qr Codes ◽  
Library Websites ◽  
Support Students

An examination of the literature from 2010 to the present reveals a variety of academic library mobile initiatives. In addition to creating mobile library websites, librarians utilized iPads to support roving reference, rounding library services, as well as information literacy instruction. IPads were also offered to patrons for circulation and librarians conducted research to enhance their understanding of students' use of iPads. Articles documented the availability of Quick Response (QR) codes in academic libraries to support students' access to materials. Despite the diversity of these mobile initiatives, academic librarians' employed similar strategies to foster their development including: obtaining support, collecting data, as well as promoting and assessing the projects. One or more of these strategies remained characteristic of libraries' mobile initiatives identified in the literature during these years.

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