Academic library non/low use and undergraduate student achievement: A preliminary report of research in progress
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to report an ongoing investigation of library use at Huddersfield University that has identified a historical correlation between library usage and degree classification.
Design/methodology/approach
Three sets of data – use of electronic resources, book loans, and visits to the library – when represented graphically show consistent amounts of no and low use at campus, academic school, degree‐type and course level. Combining these findings with data showing academic achievement raises the question: is there a positive correlation between library use and attainment?
Findings
Understandably, library usage varies between academic schools and there are often pedagogic reasons for low usage, but it would appear that, in some subjects, students who “read” more, measured in terms of borrowing books and accessing electronic resources, achieve better grades.
Research limitations/implications
Further work will focus on undergraduate, fulltime students at the main university campus.
Practical implications
It is intended to discover the reasons behind non/low use so as to develop then trial effective interventions for improving the grades of all students, from the bottom up, rather than just supporting those that are already high flyers. The results will inform both library service delivery and university goals concerning the quality of the student learning experience, improving retention and improving the level of final degree award.
Originality/value
The paper shows that there are implications for all subjects and all levels of achievement at the university.
Keywords
Citation
Goodall, D. and Pattern, D. (2011), "Academic library non/low use and undergraduate student achievement: A preliminary report of research in progress", Library Management, Vol. 32 No. 3, pp. 159-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121111112871
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited