International Graduate Students and the Library: Building Relationships at the Penn State Great Valley Campus

Start Date

3-22-2018 11:00 AM

End Date

3-22-2018 11:30 AM

Author(s) Bio

Billie E. Walker is the Head Librarian at the Penn State University Great Valley campus in Malvern, Pennsylvania. He holds undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Mississippi in Oxford; and a master’s degree in library science from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. He has published articles on using games and humor in library instruction and African American Librarians.

Description of Proposal

Most graduate students are required to do research using the library whether in person or online, to complete their graduate studies. While most students who received their undergraduate degrees at US colleges and universities have knowledge about American libraries, international students who have not attended these universities may not have the same experience. The library literature points out that international students face language and cultural challenges in using the library and learning information literacy skills. This research would like to explore the relationships, experiences, and challenges of international graduate students at the Penn State University Great Valley Campus. Understanding the situations and problems international graduate students face when dealing with the library can assist in helping to meet these student’s needs. Data will be collected by using an online survey and interviews.

What takeaways will attendees learn from your session?

Penn State University Great Valley is a graduate campus consisting of a 10% international student population. In order to serve international students better, libraries need to understand how they are perceived by this student population. This pilot aims to gain insight into a wide variety of student opinions and their experiences in libraries. Based on the students’ perception, recommendations and future strategies will be developed to improve library services and outreach.

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Mar 22nd, 11:00 AM Mar 22nd, 11:30 AM

International Graduate Students and the Library: Building Relationships at the Penn State Great Valley Campus

RM 400

Most graduate students are required to do research using the library whether in person or online, to complete their graduate studies. While most students who received their undergraduate degrees at US colleges and universities have knowledge about American libraries, international students who have not attended these universities may not have the same experience. The library literature points out that international students face language and cultural challenges in using the library and learning information literacy skills. This research would like to explore the relationships, experiences, and challenges of international graduate students at the Penn State University Great Valley Campus. Understanding the situations and problems international graduate students face when dealing with the library can assist in helping to meet these student’s needs. Data will be collected by using an online survey and interviews.