ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AND RESEARCH LIBRARIES a division of THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

KRC RESEARCH ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AND RESEARCH LIBRARIES a division of THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION A REPORT OF FINDINGS FROM TWELVE IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS WITH ACADEMIC FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATORS AND FOUR FOCUS GROUPS OF UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE LEVEL COLLEGE STUDENTS Prepared by KRC RESEARCH ©American Library Association and Association of College and Research Libraries A D i v i s i o n o f We b e r S h a n d w i c k 700 Thirteenth Street NW Suite 800 Washington DC 20005 202.585.2800 Fax 202.585.2779 KRC RESEARCH October 2002 A D i v i s i o n o f We b e r S h a n d w i c k 700 Thirteenth Street NW Suite 800 Washington DC 20005 202.585.2800 Fax 202.585.2779 ACRL/ALA Report of Findings BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY KRC Research is the full-service public opinion and market research firm of Weber Shandwick Our strategic research and analysis clarify situations and issues, anticipate changes and trends, identify and take advantage of opportunities, and solve problems KRC’s research can be used as a guide to develop messages that are important and persuasive to target audiences The following report is based on the results of twelve in-depth interviews with faculty and adminstrators of college and research institutions and four focus groups of college and university students Research Objectives The objectives of this research program were threefold:  To assess awareness and knowledge of academic and research libraries;  To explore the attitudes of key internal and external audiences about academic libraries; and,  To find language that most effectively and uniquely communicates about academic libraries - but that also fits within the overall communications of your library campaign Faculty and Adminstrator Interviews A total of twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with faculty and administrators from college and research institutions The interviews were conducted over the telephone by a professional research facilitator and were approximately 45 to 60 minutes in length The interviews were conducted between July 31 and September 13, 2002 Six interviews with faculty members and six interviews among administrators of various institutions were conducted The participants represent a mix of types of institutions – public, private, 2-year, and 4-years institutions – and geographic locations The participants also represent a mix of gender, race and ethnicity, and academic backgrounds Interviews were secured with participants in the following institutions: KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings Administrator Interviews: Colgate University, Hamilton, NY Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City, IA Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL St Charles Community College, St Peters, MO Hartnell Community College, Monterey, CA Faculty Interviews: Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD Washington State University, Pullman, WA University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO University of Evansville, Evansville, IL Northwest Vista College, San Antonio, TX University of Albany – SUNY, Albany, NY Student Focus Groups Additionally, a total of four focus groups were conducted among college and university students The two evenings of focus groups were held on September 10th in Cambridge, Massachusetts and September 12th in Chicago, Illinois Each focus group was approximately two hours in length, consisted of to 10 participants, and was facilitated by a professional moderator The groups were divided into two groups consisting of graduate and undergraduate level students In all four groups, participants represented a mix of gender, race and ethnicity, full and part-time status, public and private institutions, and areas of study A group of undergraduate students and a group of graduate level students was conducted at each of the two locations Qualitative Methodology KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings In opinion research, qualitative research (i.e focus groups and interviews) seeks to develop insight and direction rather than quantitatively precise or absolute measures Qualitative research allows us to explore key audiences’ thoughts and concerns in their own words; determine the intensity of their attitudes; and discover the sources of their ideas and opinions Because of the limited number of respondents and the restrictions of recruiting, this research must be considered in a qualitative frame of reference This study cannot be considered reliable or valid in the statistical sense This type of research is intended to provide knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and opinions about issues and concerns and to inform message development KEY FINDINGS  Significant differences exist in both the perceptions and relationship of undergraduate students, graduate students, and academic and research faculty and administrators towards their libraries  While nearly all of the participants acknowledge that academic and reseach libraries are important and have value, graduate students, faculty, and administrators are much more connected to and knowledgeable of their institution’s libraries and librarians, and tend to use these resources more often and in a more sophisticated way than most undergraduate students  There appears to be a basic disconnect, perhaps the result of unfamiliarity and intimidation, on the part of undergraduate students towards their libraries and librarians Implementing mandatory library orientations or placing information literacy classes in their core curriculum could help solve this problem KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings  Graduate students would also like to have a library orientation program, but one that would be tailored to their specific fields of inquiry Based on the focus groups, it appears that much of the current orientation process is indistinguishable from undergraduate material and information  Across audiences, there is a nearly universal attachment to the academic and research library as a physical place, though many worry that it is inevitability technology that may make the physicality of the library and the librarian obsolete  Many participants, especially graduate students, faculty and adminstrators, say librarians are the most critical piece of the library experience and critical to guiding them to the resources they want or need  However, most all of the participants believe that librarians primarily play a support role – finding them the information or resources they need in the most efficient way They not tend to see librarians as educated professionals who play an active role in the academic community Addressing this misperception is a major challenge in future communication campaigns  Across all audiences, technology is the main and best change most say they have seen and/or will see in the future in college and research libraries However, most participants say that allowing new technology to replace the physical library and resources or the human connection of librarians would be the worst mistake institutions’ could make in the future  The messages that resonate best and are most believable across all of the audiences relate to the role of technology in expanding available resources – “College and research libraries offer you a world of knowledge” and “College and research libraries are using cutting edge technology.” These are also the messages that excite participants most about the future of academic and research libraries KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings  Participants also tend to like messages that focus on what college and research libraries and librarians have to offer them personally – vast resources, global connections, and help finding the information they need  Also, threading campaign messages with statements highlighting the navigational skills and depth of knowledge librarians have of information, services, and resources will help shore up their image as critical professionals in college and research communities  Generally, participants across groups tend not to like messages that contain what they see as exaggerated claims about libraries or librarians and those that use “clichés” or “cheesy” phrases GENERAL ATTITUDES & USAGE Significant differences exist in both the perceptions and relationships of undergraduate students, graduate students, and academic and research faculty and administrators towards their libraries However, nearly all of the participants acknowledge that academic and reseach libraries are important and have value to their institution and to them personally There is also a nearly universal attachment to the academic and research library as a physical place, though many worry that it is an inevitability that technology may make the physicality of the library obsolete Many participants, especially graduate students, faculty and adminstrators, say librarians are the most critical piece of the library experience and critical to guiding them to the information and resources they want or need However, these participants characterize the role of librians as a support role and tend not to see librarians as professionals with an active role in the larger academic community KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings Libraries Undergraduate Students For undergraduate students, the relationship with academic and research libraries, if it exists at all, appears somewhat tenuous, with a focus on both the social as well as the academic offerings found in the library When asked in a general sense to discuss the best and worst “facilities, resources, or services” available to them on campus, no one cited their libraries or librarians as candidates for either category And, when asked specifically about their feelings toward their institution’s libraries, many acknowledge they rarely think about their library and have a difficult time articulating their perceptions However, most undergraduate students believe their institution’s libraries have value and are important The physical space of the library, which accomodates various activities, and the access to technology and computers are the most important aspects of academic and research libraries to undergraduate students Many undergraduates acknowledged that the true importance and value of their libraries has yet to be realized in their still formative academic careers They admit that it is nice to know the library is there for when they or will need its resources Frequency of visits varied widely among undergraduates, ranging from every day for some, to a few times a semester when in need of a specific book, to perhaps only being able to recognize the library building while on campus Several participants in both the Chicago and Cambridge groups use the library solely as places to sleep, read the paper, meet with friends and generally escape Beyond any social or academic pursuit, for several participants the library served the role of a town center where one can check out DVDs, have access to a printer or copy machine, check email, surf the Internet, hang out between or after classes, or locate financial aid forms and scholarship information KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings “To me it’s more like a meeting place, a place that’s central to campus life.” “I see it as a connection to other students…going to a common place and finding emotional support.” Many undergraduates praise their libraries for providing a structured environment conducive to study Among the positive elements that foster this learning environment are quiet-only sections, late night study sections, group meeting rooms, free Internet access and an abundance of computer stations “It gives you a chance to get away, to just hide out in the stacks in the basement.” “I study in the library most of the time Our library contains several study rooms which are comfortable and good for studying.” “I always enjoy the fact that there is a lot of space to relax I study like an hour at a time and than nap 15-20 minutes.” In terms of using their college or university library in pursuit of books or other academic materials, the usage patterns varied widely Many only go to their libraries when it is their only source for class-related material (textbooks, journal articles on reserve, etc.) Some of the participants use the library as a free source of academic materials that they would be otherwise forced to buy One factor contributing to this light usage appears to be a heavy reliance on the Internet, which was perceived by many as obviating the need for either hard copies of material or librarians While a few undergraduate students know that library databases are separate and more credible search areas, most are unaware and simply use general Internet searches KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings “I will go to the Internet first and then go to the library only if I don’t find what I need Maybe I’ll end up going more after my freshman year.” The bulk of students use their own institution’s libraries for most of their needs, which are fairly basic Only one or two undergraduates report using a library on another institution’s campus Interestingly, however, some, especially those in the Chicago group, prefer to go to their local town or county library when conducting academic research The reasons appear to be related more to approachability and familiarity with those institutions than availability of resources “It just seems easier I’m better able to use it for research…able to find the books I need.” “It always takes longer to get books out of my college library.” Undergraduates are divided on whether their college or university libraries are well organized with easily accessible materials or not For these undergraduates, the most commonly mentioned negative attributes associated with their college or university libraries centered around issues of accessibility It appears many have not received a formal orientation of their institution’s libraries, while others are dissatisfied with the level of orientation they received “The library at BU is not easy to navigate A first time user will probably leave out of frustration – empty handed.” “It’s a drag to try and find old newspaper articles on microfilm, it takes hours.” “It’s hard to find exactly what you are looking for.” KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings 48 TRUE, Graduate Students  They offer journal articles from other countries – like Germany  Use of internet/intranet links to resources and other libraries  Internet connects everybody (find books elsewhere or actual information)  Web access Database access Online documents  Database searches  I don’t know so much about around the world by they definitely use technology to bring a world of knowledge  Internet access – on-line journals  Use of internet  Gives you information about anything you need to know anywhere  E-Journals and databases  It’s a misconception that technology outside the library can provide the same kind of access to information  Online resources  They utilize the internet Video would be helpful  We have access to other university’s resources from our library  The ease of materials access  A good example is interlibrary loans  Seems self-evident FALSE, Undergraduates  No one will put you it in your hands, you need to look for it  Only area libraries information FALSE, Graduates  Aside from KC, I just want them for in the library information in science, all journals are in English of translated College and research libraries are using cutting edge technology TRUE, Undergraduates  Although the search engines are valuable they are complicated and overwhelming  A lot is available online (search engines, etc.), but I wish they had articles online (that you don’t have to pay for) accessible at the library through computers  Internet  There is a lot of information  I feel I use online resources more than the regular books to lead me to information that I need  Again, the Internet is constantly changing and libraries are also regularly getting newer technology  This statement is true and self-explanatory KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings             49 CD’s, search engines, connection to the past and present Connection to the world Very easy to access – even from home When I need something I am usually able to find it By internet the school offers I can research whatever I want to Through the internet I can access all the books I want Without the on-line I would be lost Computer/online information increases rapidly Lots of things are available on-line I can always find what I need On-line internet makes information so much more accessible Everything is almost at your fingertips Still use old way but new stuff too TRUE, Graduate Students  People who don’t own a computer  Internet access – online journals  I can get textbook and hundreds of journals online through the library, even from home  Shifting from traditional “archives” to online resources  Access to many databases, but the technology might be there but broken, confusing, etc  Many databases…we as students are just not aware of them  Instant assistance and vast choices  Libraries have kept the tried and true books, but are also using newer technology (i.e, web-based research)  Multimedia makes more organization accessibility  Online chat, email responses  Online databases can be a good example for the cutting edge technology  Access to online journals  Depends on your definition of “knowledge.” FALSE, Undergraduates  Although there are extensive resources online, it’s not specific to college libraries; you don’t have to go there to find it FALSE, Graduate Students  Not to the point of cutting edge technology or making knowledge more accessible than ever  Accessibly only on campus, but to masses, “multimedia” is not the answer  Depends on your definition of “knowledge.” KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings 50 College and research librarians are central to a learning community TRUE, Undergraduates  Without librarians the library would be total chaos  College librarians keep structure, order, and discipline of the learning environment  This theory is correct and every semester students reaffirm this fact!  Because they have added more resources and information I need  It’s librarians job to help you  The librarians at my school library have always been very helpful TRUE, Graduate Students  Broadening your horizons, giving you more objectives  They help save time  Librarians can help students out if there assistance is asked for  Helpful during crisis (book is gone) and can offer instant alternative choices  Don’t need them for every visit, but essential for overall use New ways of thinking about problems  My experiences  A nice knowledgeable librarian can be the key component to a student’s success  When you’re stuck at the library, the first person you go to is the librarian  Okay if you “are” = “should be” and “often are.” FALSE, Undergraduates  I’ve never really needed their help  They just show you where the book is They don’t know anything  I don’t know about it if they are  They help you find the resource book, but that’s it  This may be the ideal, however I feel that librarians probably are not part of the curricula development or initiating research projects  I don’t think the teachers and librarians work together that much  I don’t think BU librarians take any part in that  They don’t really know that much and not too friendly  Not all students use library for their education (most are forced)  They just know where things are, not very helpful with anything else  They help students find books, not become geniuses  Don’t agree  You really don’t need them FALSE, Graduate Students  They haven’t gained that much ground  Not really, they act as a guide and assist when needed but I usually get by myself  They might have an idea of where to point you, but that’s it KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings  More supporting role (in science at least) KRC RESEARCH 51 ACRL/ALA Report of Findings 52 College and research librarians are knowledge navigators… TRUE, Undergraduates  They save time and energy  I think they are central sources for finding new information  They can direct you to new research information through different technology  This is accurate because they direct you to the right way to find what you need  They are all true except the last one [lighting the way to new discoveries]  Librarians help students in most of the ways mentioned above  Very helpful in showing you how to retrieve information  Each student can attest to that  They know everything in the library  Without them I would not know where to go to find information  I’m not sure they don’t that for me  They never leave me without and answer  They point you to the things you need, but they don’t light the way to new discoveries  Their job is to help us TRUE, Graduate Students  Giving you alternatives  True, librarians are educators; however, they have not reached out anything close to a technological evolution on campus  That pretty well sums it up  Make suggestions of other places/methods you can look for information  For all the above reasons  Not all librarians are as well prepared/educated to answer questions as others  Facilitators of research, not really contributors  This is true if you find the right librarian  Okay if you “are” = “should be” and “often are.” FALSE, Undergraduates  Again, I’ve never really needed their help that much I’ve grown up with computers and Internet so once I know the site, I can navigate on my own  They could be a little more helpful  Without them I would not know where to go to find information  You sometimes need to beg them to help you and they don’t always have an answer  I feel librarians are kind of old, not up with new technology  Some are helpful, some are not FALSE, Graduate Students  They can point out a database or book, but they often long for the simpler days of KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings     53 card catalogs and microfilm Wouldn’t go this far! They help students get hat they want Not all librarians are as well prepared/educated to answer questions as others Librarians should ideally be training users to navigate information, not just doing it for them I don’t know if they are leading the tech revolution and lighting the way to new discoveries, but they definitely can help play an important role in this process What’s happening at the campus library? On a typical day… TRUE, Undergraduates  Libraries offer a wide range of resources and places to meet and work  Campus interviews are not practiced there That happens at career services in another building  I’ve seen this happening and been a part of it  Because that is usually people’s spare time  I can see many activities at the library  There’s always people in there  That’s what I witness, may be different for a commuter school library  There are several things going on at my library  The library is full and you have to wait for availability  Getting large for more people TRUE, Graduate Students  Library has become an area for all of these activities  The library is frequently the hub of campuses, especially when space is constrained elsewhere But this can devalue the library’s true role as an information center  A whole culture exists within a campus library  This does happen The library is always well used and crowded  Maybe not all “typical” but it does happen (at least some of these are typical) FALSE, Undergraduates  There is never that much going on at once; however, that doesn’t mean the number of people in the library is few  One or two of those meetings might be happening because my campus library is small  It only happens midterms and finals time  There are not a lot of groups that meet in our library There are plenty of other places for that  Individuals, not classes go there most of the time  We don’t have full classes go into the library  Hardly anyone in the library KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings  I don’t think many groups use the library aside from studying KRC RESEARCH 54 ACRL/ALA Report of Findings 55 FALSE, Graduate Students  Not at ISU – studying or talking  My library has none of those facilities  Our facility tends to be more specialized and spread out – decentralized  This happens, the library is use multitask friendly, but is not typical  This isn’t realistic  Few classes require library activity Most is long studying/researching or working with a librarian  No classes Club meetings in student center College and research libraries are a place of opportunity TRUE, Undergraduates  Quality/Quantity  There is music and art collections to enjoy  This is all true, except maybe “for everyone to use,” since some university libraries are not open to the public; but they certainly have wide ranging resources  They [illegible]  Our library is very extensive and we also have inter-library loan with other libraries  Always learning something new from librarian, other students, and groups  True! This is right  I enjoy a wide area of choices  I use internet research everyday  You can find artifacts at ours  You can get all of that  Endless information available  Libraries have more than books now  Special collections give you the opportunity to see ancient artifacts that you would have never seen before  You have access to culture  Used for finding stuff and getting knowledge TRUE, Graduate Students  The arts into your life  Some have much to offer – however some are outdated  Offered at all libraries (community ones especially)  As long as they have them, you can use them  Where else can you find a combination of literature, audio-video, etc  Although this is true, these resources and opportunities must be promoted to be visible and accessible  Definitely You can even rent movies at the library KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings  56 Okay, but what is meant by “everyone?” FALSE, Undergraduates  Not that much music resources  We have no cultural, music collections FALSE, Graduate Students  Most libraries have a limited collection and rare/obscure things must be ordered  Non-lending, small variety Must be very proactive to get much out of it Try student activities or Google first  Mostly to their faculty and students  Okay, but what is meant by “everyone?” College and research libraries are dynamic places You can share information … TRUE, Undergraduates  Nowadays one does much more then just read a book in the library  Not [illegible] music  Group projects  By taking advantage of the technology, a person can achieve the things listed above Libraries are a great place to explore other cultures and perspectives  Yes – through books and Internet  True  Especially on a college campus, there are many things going on in the library  You can all that at my library  You could have group meetings  You can all that there if you like that stuff  But I don’t use it often  Multi-media center at my branch  Many libraries have music rooms CDs, videotapes students can check out  I don’t often share IDEAS TRUE, Graduate Students  This is hyped up way of saying students can what they want in libraries  Yes, but a lot of this happens outside of the library  Social activities  Just like being in Disneyland  Meeting new students and studying  Again, seems self-evident FALSE, Undergraduates KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings     57 You can some of this, but this statement seems a bit extreme Exploring new technologies and experiencing new cultures and perspectives seems to occur more outside the library The library is used mostly for research at BU There is not a lot of socializing or discussion of new perspectives You can only read, look up information, use computers, and sit We have no music collections I haven’t seen all of that FALSE, Graduate Students  No, they are not that much of a socially scholastic place, yet  Few people interact at the library with others Some have A/V technology and rent music/movies  Study, take books and go, silence  Not many people go physically to the library anymore  Just like being in Disneyland Mark the TWO that the best job communicating that academic and research LIBRARIES are important Mark the ONE that does the best job communicating that academic and research LIBRARIANS are important Libraries Undergrad Libraries Grad/PhD Librarians Undergrad Librarians Grad/PhD College and research libraries offer you a world of knowledge They can connect you to information and resources around the world Today’s college and research libraries use technology to put information from around the world in your hands 12 18 College and research libraries are using cutting edge technology In addition to traditional materials and archives, today’s college and research libraries offer wide-ranging resources on-line -making knowledge more accessible than ever 10 KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings 58 College and research librarians are central to a learning community College and research librarians are active partners in educating students, offering new perspectives, developing new curricula, and contributing to groundbreaking research projects College and research librarians are knowledge navigators – pointing you toward the information you need, leading the technological evolution on campus, sharing new information and research, and lighting the way to new discoveries 17 15 What’s happening at the campus library? On a typical day at o’clock, a class is meeting in the multi-media room, another class is meeting in special collections to examine original manuscripts, a campus club is starting in the meeting rooms, seniors are preparing for on-campus interviews, and students are searching library databases for information for their assignments 0 College and research libraries are a place of opportunity Campus libraries offer access to wide-ranging research and resources, new learning experiences, multi-media materials and technology, cultural and historical archives, and music and art collections for everyone to use and enjoy College and research libraries are dynamic places You can share information or create new knowledge, read books or listen to music, collaborate with other scholars, explore new technologies or experience new cultures and perspectives 0 Pretend that you have been put in charge of communicating the most valuable and unique aspects of your school’s libraries to current and future students Write down KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings 59 for me what you would say Boston, Undergraduate Students  Internet – national and international information Ability to access/watch films Size Atmosphere – easiest place to study/research Computers for e-mail  Beautiful, clean, new, modern Large media center Quiet study room Computers for researching and printing long documents Copy machines Online access/computers/web Small private rooms available Reference, newspapers, journals, microfilm  Big archive from the past Helpful knowledgeable librarian Fast computer online system Scholl research engines Fast copy machines  College universities offer an extensive range of resources from books and journal articles to online resources to film and music They are a great place to go for a serious study atmosphere or for working with a group and offer everything you could need in one location  This school library offers – internet access, copy machines, hundreds of resource material including reference books, magazines, audio cassettes, and micro-media material This is a quiet and pleasant atmosphere to come enjoy  Boston University had numerous libraries specialized for out broad base of majors and areas of study The resources our libraries offer are great in number Also if you can’t find what you need at BU, we are partnered with many other universities in the Boston area that allow you access information in their libraries Your search for information is made simple by our technology and online resources  I would have to say it would be as basic as this: Make the students come to the library by making it a fun place to go and learn Once they’re there make sure they know all about the resources they have available Make it as pleasant as possible  The most important aspect in the UMass library are the internet search engines Internet accessibility is very expensive, especially for locating and downloading/uploading information Here at UMass you have full access to a plethora of search engines in several different subject areas  Internet accessibility, librarian help, independent and group study areas, books on many different topics, special archive sections, CD’s  Large and spacious, valuable research databases (at no cost), old newspapers, microfilms articles, wide array of books (from sci to humanities to religion to education to management to law to medical), quiet space to study as individual or small group, librarians willing to help you find your needed materials Boston, Graduate Students  MIT libraries have been evolving to fit your need in the last 50 years An incredible variety of resources are here for your electronic and hard copy research needs Knowledgeable staff are at the library, on the phone, and on the internet to assist you at any time  The libraries have most of what you need in order to learn about your subject Don’t just read textbooks Explore the wealth of wisdom in other books KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings         60 The collection is strongly aligned with the curriculum, the reserve department is a great resource, there are lots of computers, and the staff is very helpful Give call number Push a button and get your book This is our new mechanical system of the library Place of collaboration You can get practically unlimited resources You can search for things not on campus You can get personal and specific help The most valuable and unique aspect would be the access to knowledgeable library staff that have the ability and experience to point you in the right direction Online resources Librarians – helpful, knowledgeable, specializes in various subjects Knowledgeable and friendly staff Access to vast amount of materials Nice atmosphere You have a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of a vast collection of books and journals Remember that the goal of education is not or should not be, the mere [illegible] of data, but the [illegible] of wisdom So use those resources in conjunction with librarians and [illegible] The most valuable thing about the library is the atmosphere of learning You go tot he library and you can hide out in the basements and study quietly or you can meet with students and collaborate and work on problems together It’s just the overall atmosphere that you can use to your advantage Chicago, Undergraduate Students  Helpful if you need something as far as knowledge, this would be the place Access to the Internet and worldwide planning and things that have happened The quiet place to be!  Learning new things is fun Learning and searching a new idea and information is just fun  Imagine never having to carry a book again, and have all that you need right in front of you Free and easy to access  Libraries are a place where you know you can go for help, even if they don’t want to help you They are like a backbone to the school  If there is a will, there is a way If you want to learn something new, gather information or simply have a quiet place on campus, you can go to the library With time and effort anything is possible  They offer a wide range of computers for use of Internet and databases The library staff is friendly and helpful They know how to use the resources provided My school added a small coffee shop as a gathering place The library is newly remodeled and provides a welcoming environment  I feel that the technology found at libraries is both important and unique With the help of educated librarians, you are able to enter one building and find information on just about anything you would like to know  Libraries can open a door for students to learn and see things they’ve never seen using multimedia, historical archives, special collections, art exhibits, and most importantly, easily accessible internet resources The library also gives students a KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings   61 quiet area to study and meet I would encourage students to use it more often and take advantage of the opportunity to explore and learn in a campus library or public library We have all the things you need for homework, papers or just for interest We got the materials you need to find the facts Not many people go to libraries but you don’t know what you are missing Chicago, Graduate Students  Up-to-date technology Good hours Clean, organized atmosphere For the most part, librarians are friendly, accessible, helpful, knowledgeable  Long hours, accessibility, ample computers, ample space, well staffed, easy access to finding books (not on campus) Reliable resources and cleanness Librarians are learned approachable, well staffed, well rounded with varying areas of expertise  Take advantages of the 24-hour floor, not many students use it and it is quiet! Other students are respectful to you and give you your space Plus, one computer lab is open 24 hours for your convenience Most librarians are very useful When you find one that helps you out, just go back to them all the time If you want more than just what you asked for (similar books, or other ideas), jus ask, they can usually help you out  We have subscriptions to many diverse databases on almost any subject imaginable Anytime you need a book or periodical that we not have, it can easily be found for you We offer comfortable and quiet places to study and/or relax You can even renew your checked-out materials on- line! Whenever you have a topic to research and not know where to begin, our professional staff of librarians will be able to guide you to the appropriate starting place Get stuck? They can even suggest other places to try search  Helpful librarians Books on-line Journals on-line Librarians – extremely helpful, connect you with other resources, creative ideas True librarians really enjoy their job  I believe that our librarians are our greatest assets at MWU library They are always willing to go the extra mile to help you out MWU library also has hours that are very convenient for all students, as well as a 24-hour lounge The librarians are very knowledgeable when it comes to information technologies and it would be wise for one to take advantage of this resource  The library provides 24-hour access from home or the hospital to nearly all the resources you will need, along with a capable staff to assist you in your search for information The librarians are trained professionals dedicated to helping you use the technology to best find the information that would be most helpful to you  Our library has a highly technical computer/web-based database This database provides access to most journals, periodicals and on-line resources you will need to successfully complete your coursework The library reference and reserve systems are organized in such a way that it will be extremely useful to you in the completion of your curriculum The library staff is a group of super diverse educated individuals They will provide you with any necessary information you will need when searching for what you need KRC RESEARCH ACRL/ALA Report of Findings   62 On-line resources, databases, journal articles Handicap accessible elevators Visual and auditory material for the visually and hearing impaired Librarians are helpful, willing to assist you, knowledgeable The hours are excellent, if your work or not Excellent place to study Location is excellent If you need help finding something, there usually is someone who will help you Once you ask for what you need, they’ll know anything else that might be related to what you are looking for KRC RESEARCH ... College and Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association As part of this research, we are talking to a number of college and university faculty members and administrators across... participants acknowledge that academic and reseach libraries are important and have value to their institution and to them personally There is also a nearly universal attachment to the academic and research. .. administrators towards their libraries  While nearly all of the participants acknowledge that academic and reseach libraries are important and have value, graduate students, faculty, and administrators