Working With Students to Study Students: Findings of an Academic Library Student Study

Linda Bedwell

In order to most effectively use their resources, libraries must have a full understanding of the values, behaviours, and preferences of the communities they serve. Inspired by recently published student studies, Linda Bedwell, Dalhousie Reference & Instruction Librarian, set out to gather data on the student population served by the Killam Library; in particular, their research and learning habits, online search behaviours, and perceptions and use of the library. This information would aid in future planning of library services, space, online resources and teaching efforts in order for the library to have a better impact on students’ academic lives.

Through a serendipitous partnership with a Sociology faculty member, Linda worked with a group of fourth-year Sociology and Social Anthropology students to conduct four Dalhousie University student studies during the 2009-10 academic year. She will be presenting her findings at a public lecture sponsored by the School of Information Management. Come to this session to learn more about the experience of working with students to study students and to hear the results of these revealing studies.

Visit the SIM website for more information.