Improving Digital Library Experiences and Support with Online Research Guides

Abstract

With a goal of improving the development and delivery of effective online information literacy resources, the purpose of this study was to look at how program level and the timing of the introduction of a Literature Review library guide within the program influenced online business student perceived value of the resource. A population of undergraduate business students (N=355) and online MBA students (N=319) were introduced to a Literature Review library guide during specific points in their programs. Students were asked to complete an online survey that included 17 closed-ended items designed to measure perceived usefulness, satisfaction and likeliness to use the guide again. The survey also included two open-ended questions asking students to discuss those elements of the guide they found most valuable and whether they wanted any additional features included in the guide. The data collection strategy required faculty post information about the Literature Review library guide and the survey in their courses at two specified times in the course. A low response rate (3.5%) may have resulted from inconsistencies in how faculty shared information about the guide and the study in their courses. Although the small sample size (n=24) limited the planned analysis, and results indicated no statistical significance between groups, descriptive findings were reported, and trends were used to revise the resource and inform future development of library research guides. Overall, students reported being satisfied with the resource and found it usable. Graduate students were more likely to report elements of the guide that supported effective search and evaluation strategies were valuable; whereas, undergraduate students tended to value the links to writing resources. Student feedback also suggested that the earlier the guide was introduced in the program, the more likely students would use the resource. Adopting a model that embeds resource guides early in academic programs and aligns guide content with the curriculum should lead to increased use of the resource.

Challenges and Opportunities of Online Library Services in the New Normal: The Western Mindanao State University Experience

“…Furthermore, Brewer and Grondin (2017) reported that, following the completion of their initial research, the University Library has begun developing library guides that are embedded in the first six courses taken by all undergraduate students. The incorporation of the guides into the curriculum should increase the use of the guides and the associated library resources.…”

Provision and Awareness of Digital Library Resources in a Multi-Mode University: Perspectives of Distance Learners and Librarians.

“…While tangible resources such as the print collection, and services such as reference and instructional services continue to feature significantly in conventional education in universities, the emergence of new service models (Ahenkorah-Marfo & Nikoi, 2019), such as ICT-enabled distance education, require more than tangible resources and the scope-limited traditional reference (Luo & Buer, 2015). Distance education subscribers require, in addition to library physical content, the provision of digital learning objects such as online tutorials, subject guides and open educational resources (Brewer, Rick, & Grondin, 2017;Courtney & Wilhoite-Mathews, 2015;Davis, Cochran, Fagerheim, & Thoms, 2016;Salem Jr, 2017) with an ultimate goal of producing information literate graduates (Fernández-Ramos, 2019;Ukwoma, Iwundu, & Iwundu, 2016).…”