New thoughts on library outreach to international students

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to three articles from Reference Services Review on the theme of library outreach to international students. It aims to give a summary overview of the current research on international students and library outreach and to introduce and contextualize the three articles.Design/methodology/approachThis paper frames the three articles and places them in the context of the exhaustive literature on the topic.FindingsInternational students are not all alike. Grouping all of these students together under the umbrella term of “international student” contributes little, if at all, to the understanding of their real needs and problems.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests that there are still areas for further exploration on the topic of international students and library outreach.Originality/valueThis paper argues with the oversimplified and generalized approach to international students, and suggests that it is not the most useful way to assist individual students.

First-year international graduate students’ transition to using a United States university library

“…Articles on international students’ perceptions of libraries, their previous experience of libraries and how these affect their use of their new host school’s libraries (Datig, 2014; Liu, 2013; Zhang, 2006) as well as discussions about whether international students have unique needs (Morrissey and Given, 2006; Shaffer et al, 2010; Ye, 2009) and how they adjust to a new cultural and academic environment are also important (Baron and Strout-Dapaz, 2001).…”

International Students and the Canadian University

“…The outreach plan must also not propose events that isolate international students from the remaining student body since these students have varied experiences and challenges that often overlap with those of domestic students. Ye (2009) stated that usage of the term "international student" is problematic; a dichotomy is created, which encourages stereotypes and does not allow for a nuanced approach to serving students from equally nuanced backgrounds. In dismantling this term, librarians may approach each student as unique rather than relying on cultural assumptions.…”

Contribuciones de la biblioteca universitaria a la internacionalización del campus: análisis sistemático de la literatura

“…Un aspecto bastante tratado en este corpus es la adecuación de los servicios de referencia a esta dimensión internacional. Así, algunos trabajos discuten la influencia de las barreras lingüísticas y culturales en la efectividad del servicio ofrecido (ADEMODI, 2011;YE, 2009); otros, son propuestas de servicios de referencia ajustados para los usuarios internacionales. Es interesante el desarrollo de toda una línea de trabajos Contribuciones de la biblioteca universitaria a la internacionalización del campus: análisis sistemático de la literatura Nancy Sánchez-Tarragó, Inalvis Castellanos-Gallardo; Leilah Santiago Bufrem enfocados, no solo a los usuarios internacionales que vienen a la biblioteca, sino a los estudiantes y profesores que viajan a estancias de estudio al exterior.…”