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Student perceptions of staff in the Information Commons: A survey at the University of Sheffield

Bickley, Rachel; Corrall, Sheila

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Authors

Rachel Bickley

Sheila Corrall



Abstract

Purpose: Technology has transformed teaching and learning environments in tertiary education, introducing new collaborative library spaces and developing the roles and skills of library staff. Academic libraries need continually to re-examine their services to ensure they meet student needs. The current survey aimed to discover how students perceived staff in the Information Commons (IC) and whether their perceptions of staff attitudes and skills influenced their use of library resources. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire containing closed and open questions was distributed electronically to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Sheffield, obtaining 250 responses (around 1 per cent of the student population). Findings: The results showed that most students were unable to distinguish different groups of staff, were unaware of their departmental librarian and did not recognise the academic role of librarians. However, those who had sought assistance in the IC or attended classes delivered by librarians had positive views of their experiences. Research limitations/implications: The timing and fixed duration of the study limited the size and nature of the sample, the generalisability of the findings and depth of the investigation, but sufficient data were collected to establish patterns of behaviour and identify important factors. Practical implications: Low awareness among students of the expertise of librarians and their capacity to provide academic support indicates a need for more promotion to ensure library resources are properly utilised. Originality/value: The study is thought to be the first of its kind conducted in the UK and the only such survey carried out in an IC setting. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date May 1, 2011
Deposit Date Dec 5, 2011
Publicly Available Date Feb 10, 2016
Journal Reference Services Review
Print ISSN 0090-7324
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 39
Issue 2
Pages 223-243
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/00907321111135466
Keywords academic libraries, United Kingdom, perceptions, Information Commons
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/966954
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00907321111135466
Contract Date Feb 10, 2016

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