Book dossier

College libraries and student culture

by Lynda M. Duke

How do college students really conduct research for classroom assignments? In 2008, five large Illinois universities were awarded a Library Services and Technology Act Grant to try to answer that question. The resulting ongoing study has already yielded some eye-opening results. The findings suggest changes ranging from simple adjustments in service and resources to modifying the physical layout of the library. In this book the editors, both anthropological researchers have been involved with the project since its beginning. This book: Summarizes the study's history, including its goals, parameters, and methodology; Offers a comprehensive discussion of the research findings, touching on issues such as website design, library instruction for faculty, and meeting the needs of commuter and minority students; Details a number of service reforms which have already been implemented at the participating institutions. This book deepens our understanding of how academic libraries can better serve students' needs, and also serves as a model for other researchers interested in a user-centered approach to evaluating library services.