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Observing Student Researchers in their Native Habitat
Internet Librarian International 2007
© 2007 ProQuest LLC. All Right Reserved.
The information contained within this presentation is proprietary to ProQuest LLC. Use without citation is strictly prohibited.
Law, John. Observing Students Researchers in their Native Habitat. Ann Arbor: ProQuest, 2007.
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Methodology – How the study was conducted
Ongoing research over multiple phases Field studies observing users in their native
environment Guided by a formal research plan and study
protocol
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Study parameters Students actively engaged in performing
research for actual class assignments Conducted anonymously to avoid any bias Conducted onsite and remotely
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How did we find students? Facebook
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Screening Online survey
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Who did we observe? Undergraduates Graduate students Variety of disciplines Mix of novice and sophisticated researchers
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Coffee shopsThe library
Where did we go?
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The libraryComputer labs
Where did we go?
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Coffee shops
Where did we go?
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Apartments
Where did we go?
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Capturing the session (remote)
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The student view
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Findings – What we learned How students decide which resources to use
for their research How students use library resources How students are really using Google How social networking sites factor into
student research
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How students choose resources Library outreach Course instructor Brand awareness
And Google
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How students use library resources 95% of participants engaged library resources for
their research
Once in a licensed product, most students have no serious difficulties in conducting their research
Students often work with multiple resources and search tools at the same time
Abstracts are essential in identifying relevant articles
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Chief inhibitors to success in using library resources
Lack of awareness
Difficulty navigating library website to locate appropriate e-resources
Search catalog front and center, for articles
Authentication barriers, especially considering limited access points
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How students really use Google Primary research tool Supplement research Handy look-ups
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Google as a primary research tool Sufficing, when quality isn’t a concern Insufficiently aware of library e-resources Bad experiences with library e-resources
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Google as a handy look-up tool Locate know resources
Known sites (NGOs, museums, etc.)
Major newspapers
Library resources
Get specific answers General information about a topic
Definition of a term, e.g. p16 protein
Complete a citation for an article of interest
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End-user surveys support these findings
~10,000 respondents Invited from ProQuest search interfaces Invited from Facebook ads at 3 universities
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Thinking about library online databases in comparison to web search engines such as Google…
End-User Survey Question
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0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
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Outside (Facebook)
Has better quality and credibility of content
Library databases Google
End-User Surveys
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0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
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Outside (Facebook)
Has more useful search results
Library databases Google
End-User Surveys
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0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
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Outside (Facebook)
Has an easier to use search interface
Library databases Google
End-User Surveys
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End-User Surveys
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
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Outside (Facebook)
Is preferred for academic research and course assignments
Library databases Google
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0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
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Outside (Facebook)
Is preferred for quick look up of facts and unfamiliar terms or concepts
Library databases Google
End-User Surveys
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How social networking sites factor into student research For the most part, they don’t
One student mentioned using it for a group project as a means for communication within the group
Facebook often used as study break; MySpace rarely used
One student mentioned using it for a group project as a means for communication within the group
Academic librarians are setting up Facebook profiles to create relationships with students
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Recommendations Make resources discoverable
Simplify e-resources web page design
Address students perception that “the online catalog represents all library resources”
Authentication
Design access points for electronic resources from the students’ perspective
Build awareness – Get into the classroom In person
Via instructor
Via course pages
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Formula For Academic Library Success*
Greater Awareness
+ Usable Websites
+ Flawless Authentication
= Better Results
* Courtesy Steven Bell via ACRL blog entry about these research findings [ http://acrlblog.org/2007/05/14/formula-for-academic-library-success ]© 2007 ProQuest LLC. All Right Reserved.
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Thank youJohn LawDirector, Strategic Alliances & Platform Mgmt
Joanna Markel, MSIManager, User Experience Design
Serena Rosenhan, Ph.D. Specialist, User Experience Design
“To be successful in today’s world, those who define and build [research solutions] must know how to fit them into the fabric of everyday life.”
Beyer & Holtzblatt
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For further information
Findings from ongoing research Information about pilot programs Opportunities to participate in study or pilots Final report on findings
Send email to [email protected]
with subject line “Student Research Behaviors”