Investigating first-generation students’ perceptions of library personnel

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceived role of library personnel in supporting first-generation students at Penn State University Libraries, and also how students’ perceptions of library personnel change over time, and the various experiences that influenced their changes in perception. Design/methodology/approach This study employed focus groups to solicit input from first-generation students. A four-step team-based approach to qualitative coding process was developed including the development of a codebook informed by common themes and concepts drawn from the literature. Findings Findings indicate that operating from a deficit of library cultural capital often results in low awareness of available services and changes in perception are more influenced by personal exploration than limited interactions with personnel. Further, while currently employed interventions are well targeted, opportunities exist for enhancing efforts. Research limitations/implications As this is a case study, the findings are not generalizable. Per conducting only four focus groups, the experiences of participants may not represent the typical scope of personnel-related interactions. Originality/value This study adds to the limited body of evidence that first-generation students’ struggle from a deficit of library-related cultural capital.

Understanding user experience in bring your own device spaces in the library

“…These libraries are slowly being upgraded and equipped with infrastructure to fulfill these disparate roles. As such, libraries around the country have invested in accommodating the changing nature of student needs by redesigning or renovating existing spaces to maximize usable space for students (Borrelli et al , 2019).…”

“…It is primarily driven by the opinion that a new generation of students desires comprehensive, cohesive, and consistent experience out of a single library space – some of which include ample study spaces for individual or group studies, electric outlets, computers and comfortable chairs (Afreen, 2014; Thompson, 2015). Students have reported feeling more productive in library spaces (Hobbs and Klare, 2010; Borrelli et al , 2019) and often spending long periods of time in library facilities (Dominguez, 2016). The breakdown of what spaces students report is fairly split across all options (e.g.…”

“…Electrical outlets for laptops (Lane et al , 2010; Brown-Sica, 2012; Halling and Carrigan, 2012), wireless internet connectivity (Brudvig et al , 2009) and availability of alternate library spaces (Mohanty, 2002) were cited by students as necessary features in library spaces. Students also desire: space for their multiple devices and personal items (Borrelli et al , 2019), a proportional number of large tables for substantial personal space (Hall and Kapa, 2015; Dominguez, 2016) and a place that provides for working in a white noise environment, a hub for coffee, reading, etc. (Clee and Maguire, 1993).…”

“…Gayton (2008), however, argues that group study or other social functions should not be the sole focus of the new model of the library. He argues that for many, libraries are where students experience “seeing and being seen by others, quietly engaged in the same serious studious activity” (page 60) described as a “communal experience.” Borrelli et al (2019) discuss the idea of the communal experience as a motivating factor, informing where students choose to study and complete assignments.…”

Assessing and Improving the Experience of Underrepresented Populations: A Participatory Design Approach

“…In an extensive literature review, however, Neurohr 1 notes that only a few assessment studies address underrepresented students and academic libraries. These relatively few studies include rural and tribal library communities, 2 international students, 3 Latino students, 4 first-generation students, 5 Indigenous peoples, 6 and transfer students. 7 Taken together, these studies demonstrate a motivation towards assessing and improving the library experiences of diverse communities.…”