A Mixed-Methods Study of Library Communication with Online Students and Faculty Members

Abstract

To better understand, articulate, and improve the academic library's impact on online populations, this two-phase mixed-method study examines library communication with online students and faculty. In phase I, online focus group participants responded to vignettes illustrating library communication scenarios. Results from phase I informed the creation of a questionnaire for phase II. Results of both phases demonstrated that patrons' lack of knowledge about how and when to communicate with the library can serve as a communication barrier, that online patrons highly value being able to access librarians, and that a range of outreach strategies hold appeal.

Advancing nursing students’ transition to scholarship: embedding a librarian into the Advanced Nursing Research course

“…Our project data showed that many students indicated that they specifically appreciated their librarian's availability, accessibility, and knowledge of health sciences. Students also suggested including late office hours to increase the librarian's availability, which aligns with previous studies that found that online students would like to have access to a librarian at any time [ 15 ]. Our nursing students found that having a librarian who understood their assignments and who was readily available within their “digital backyard” was very helpful in completing their research course assignments.…”