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ERIC Number: ED100306
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1974
Pages: 36
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Information-Seeking Behavior of College Students Using the Library to Do Research. A Pilot Study.
Reed, Jeffrey G.
Relatively little is known about the information-seeking patterns of students using college libraries. In order to assess the bibliographic search process of students, a questionnaire and log form were given to 55 undergraduate students at Bucknell University's Bertrand Library. Forty-seven students completed the log and questionnaire. Each of the 39 usable responses was examined, evaluated, and rated on the basis of six rating scales concerning the statement of the research topic and the conduct of the search. A number of conclusions can be drawn from the information gathered. In general students seem poorly skilled in use of a college library. Instructions on how to use the library seem to have little effect. Students at Bucknell tend to search the card catalog most frequently by subject. Students seem unskilled in translating their questions into terms compatible with the library system. Students frequently fail to consult appropriate, key bibliographic information sources. Logical progression and systematic approaches to checking sources of information often appear to be absent. The conception of research on the part of many students appears to be limited and unsophisticated. (DC)
Publication Type: Books
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Towson State Coll., MD.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A