Information-Seeking Behavior of Multicultural Students: A Case Study at San Jose State University

Liu, Mengxiong; Redfern, Bernice

doi:10.5860/crl.58.4.348

Cited by 51 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Transitioning students face a variety of cultural differences that can put tension on their relationships with both faculty and peers (Riedlinger, 2008). Research by Liu (1999) In his exploratory research studied international students" perceptions of their experiences in New Zealand, Li (2003) discovered that many students held strong negatives views about the quality of education received. This is indicated by the following comment::…”

Section: English Language Barriersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Arab Postgraduate Students in Malaysia: Identifying and Overcoming the Cultural and Language Barriers

Al-Zubaidi¹,

Richards²

2010

AWEJ

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In recent times there has been a rapid increase in the number of Arab postgraduate students in Malaysian universities which typically expect international students to submit dissertations in English. Whilst these students often achieve good qualifications in their home country, many struggle with the cultural or social as well as academic adjustments to a foreign university, to a different culture and to the requirements of undertaking research and writing in a second or foreign language. This paper will investigate the particular cultural as well as language barriers which typically confront Arab students undertaking postgraduate study in Malaysia. As well as identity key challenges faced, it will inquire into the possible strategies for assisting students to more effectively engage with many of the larger cultural barriers and academic challenges faced in language proficiency issues. The paper will report on a study undertaken into the perceptions and experiences of Arab postgraduate students at five Malaysian Universities: UM, UTM, UKM UPM, and IIUM

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Section: English Language Barriersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Arab Postgraduate Students in Malaysia: Identifying and Overcoming the Cultural and Language Barriers

Al-Zubaidi¹,

Richards²

2010

AWEJ

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“…These diverse user groups are making growing use of library and reference services (Curry & Copeman, 2005, Liu & Redfern, 1997, Whitmire, 1999, Whitmire, 2003and Zoe & DiMartino, 2000. They use the academic library heavily (African American students use the library more than White students) and request more assistance in searching databases (non-native English speakers compared with native English speakers) (Whitmire, 1999, Whitmire, 2003and Zoe & DiMartino, 2000.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are virtual reference services color blind?

Shachaf

Horowitz

2006

Library & Information Science Research

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This study reports an experiment that examines whether librarians provide equitable virtual reference services to diverse user groups. The relative absence of social cues in the virtual environment may mean greater equality of services though at the same time greater inequalities may arise as librarians can become less self-aware online. Findings indicate that the quality of service librarians provide to African Americans and Arabs is lower than the quality of service they provide to Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and Jewish students. This study adds to the knowledge of subjective bias in the virtual environment by specifying those that are discriminated against online, identifying the kinds of discriminatory actions of virtual reference librarians, and identifying the type of queries that more frequently result in unbiased service.

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“…It also links library use and/or attitudes toward libraries to student learning outcomes based on race or ethnicity. For example, Asian students comprised the largest "minority" population on the San Jose State University campus where Liu and Redfern (1997) concluded that successful library use was positively correlated to English proficiency and frequency of library use, including asking questions at the reference desk. However, success was measured based on a self-reported analysis of ease of finding information and not objective measures.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Information literacy and US Latino college students: a cross‐cultural analysis

Dabbour

Ballard²

2011

New Library World

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Purpose: To present a cross-cultural analysis of information literacy and library use among Latino and white undergraduates in an American university.Design/methodology/approach: A large-scale, random sample survey of information literacy skills, and library instruction experiences and attitudes was undertaken at a large public university in the United States. Findings:More white students accessed the Internet from home than Latino students; however, both spent an equal amount of time searching the Internet and library databases. Latino students used the physical library more than white students. More Latino than white students had formal library instruction. Over two thirds of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their research skills contributed to their academic success. Latino students did not perform as well as white students on the test questions on information literacy knowledge. Research limitations/implications:While an argument over the relative merits of an objective test of information literacy versus direct assessment of student work is beyond the scope of this study, it would be worthwhile to undertake to see if the results would be different. Practical implications:Given the differences in test scores despite more Latinos attending library instruction, improvements in outreach, pedagogy, and assessment methodologies may be needed. Social implications:As there are over 220 Hispanic-Serving Institutions of higher education in the United States, these findings could be applicable to other libraries.Originality/value: Few if any researchers have compared test scores on information literacy knowledge and library use based on a cross-cultural analysis.

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Information-Seeking Behavior of Multicultural Students: A Case Study at San Jose State University

Cited by 51 publications

References 4 publications

Arab Postgraduate Students in Malaysia: Identifying and Overcoming the Cultural and Language Barriers

Arab Postgraduate Students in Malaysia: Identifying and Overcoming the Cultural and Language Barriers

Are virtual reference services color blind?

Information literacy and US Latino college students: a cross‐cultural analysis

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