Hutchins Library

Blue Line

Bibliographic Instruction Program Evaluation


Blue Line

APPENDIX D.4

SUMMARY
FOCUS GROUP QUESTIONS



QUESTION #1
Frequency and Type of Use

  Use varies by semester                  2
  When term papers due                    2
  End of semester                         1
  GST courses mostly                      6
  One-third to one-half                   7
  One or two courses                      4
  Research papers                        10
  Essay questions                         1
  Recreational reading
     yes                                  3
     no                                   3
  Current events & news in field          2
    (sciences)
  Quiet place to study                    1
  Reference                               1
  Reserves                                1
  Children's section                      1

Most students agree that use varies from semester to semester and that use increases as course specificity increases. Most responses indicated one or two classes demand library use each semester; some said one-third to one-half of all classes require library use. GST courses generally require more library use. Research papers and oral presentations appear most frequently as assignments generating library use. Answers were evenly balanced between use of library for recreational reading and not. A couple of mentions were made of current events.


QUESTION #2
Rewarding Experiences

  Chaucer paper - found alot/not always the case
  Psychology research project - good grade; lot of research
  Researching essay questions
  Reference section most helpful
  CD-ROM - time efficient                                           3
  Freshman Seminar paper - rewarding to finish                      2
  Good selection of books in major - marriage and family
  Children's sections - but, need newer books
  Quiet atmosphere to study
  Recreational reading/magazines/personal                           3
  Keeping up with current materials                                 2
  Reserve desk - available as needed
  Appalachian problems and institutions/Sp. Colls.                  3
  Biographical information about authors - contemporary material
  Nursing Ethics - use of older materials to trace topic in time

The most frequently mentioned experiences included use of CD-ROMs as time efficient sources, the use of the library for current awareness, recreational/ personal reading and research, the use of Special Collections for research on Appalachian topics and the rewarding feeling of finishing that monster Fr. Sem. paper. Several people mentioned specific research assignments which were especially successful/rewarding experiences (Chaucer, psychology, marriage and the family, biographical info. about authors, nursing ethics, etc.)


QUESTION #3
Difficult Experiences

  Not enough material on topic, especially indepth research          8
  Finding material from indexes/no subscription to magazine . . .    8
  Misshelved/missing/misplaced                                       2
  Moved things around                                                2
  Confusing tape tour				
  Ethiopia paper (how to find when don't know how to spell)
  People at Reference Desk                                           2
  On-line searches (indepth)
  Finding books in the old layout (new one an improvement)

Major concerns were not finding enough information or material, especially for indepth research projects. Another frequently mentioned problem was finding citations in indexes, etc., and then discovering that the library either doesn't subscribe to the journal or is missing that year, vol., etc. A related problem seems to be the misplacement or misshelving of books as well as volumes/books that are missing for no apparent reason. While the new layout was seen as an improvement over the old, there seemed to be a little bit of frustration in trying to locate material in the new set-up, at least for a time. Interaction with members of the reference staff was also mentioned (grouchy, hard to deal with, etc.)


QUESTION #4
Freshman Seminar

  Repetition of library presentations (015, 100, GST105)
  Just busy work (lack of integration of assignment with paper)
  Worksheets/Sessions (2 mentioned they caused stress)                    10
  Didn't see point of worksheets then but do now                           2
  Use of CD-ROMs/indexes/combing through citations                         2
  Boring                                                                   3
  Resources located but not held at library/lack of resources              2
  Instruction needs to be separate library class                           2
  Don't do worksheets until SURE of topic to avoid repetition of effort
  Large amount of research                                                 3
  Often can't find resources that are here
  Use of ILL
  People willing to help
  Overwhelmed/dumped on by number of sources, rushed                       3
  Confusion
  Relearned use of microforms
  Tape tour (helped)
  Helpful to learn where things are

Most students remembered the sessions and thought them at least somewhat helpful, whether they remembered the worksheets or not. One of the major causes of frustration seems to be finding enough resources to do the paper on the topic of first choice. Sessions seemed repetitive and/or boring to several, while others felt overwhelmed and "dumped on" by the amount of material presented. Many remembered the library research/worksheets being a lot of work.


QUESTION #5
What have you learned

  How to do library research a bit more easily, efficiently            7
  Use of CD-ROMs/indexes/serial record                                10
  How to match sources with topics                                     2
  Different ways to approach topics                                    2
  There's always something there (maybe not enough)
  Use of microforms                                                    7
  Use of reference books                                               4
  Use of card catalog
  Reference librarians there to help - one on one is best              4
  On-line searching/computer technology                                2
  Special Collections

The overwhelming responses included learning how to do library research more easily and efficiently, learning how to use indexes (CD-ROM & print), magazines, etc. and how to use microforms. Use of reference materials and the fact that members of the reference staff are there to help were also mentioned.


QUESTION #6
Like to know more

  Interlibrary Loan
  Special Collections                                    5
  CD-ROMs (computers), more indepth access               3
  Printed Indexes                                        2
  Options/alternatives in research process               3
  List of people on/off campus as sources	
  Children's collection
  Locations in new lay-out
  On-line searching                                      5
  Microfiche
  Reference section
  Library overall

The two things mentioned most often by students were Special Collections and on-line searching. In general, students were interested in finding alternatives in the research process, both how to use a familiar title in a more efficient, effective and indepth manner and also becoming familiar with new sources, both print and computer based. One student suggested having a handout which would give a brief overview of the library, nothing overwhelming, but something which would refresh a student's memory and boost confidence. Another commented that the library seems good at sending notices to faculty and staff about things that are happening in the library, but students don't find out about these things, except by reading the local paper (Share-pac and BANC).


QUESTION #7
College Goals & Library's Role

  Relates to first part, understanding basic human needs                4
  Not humbly Christian part                                             4
  Not directly, passively as support/supplier of sources for papers 
     on these topics                                                    3  
  Helped with self-reliant part                                         3
  No relationship at all                                                7
  As a tool for expanding knowledge about these topics                  2
  Helpful in exposure to different viewpoints

Many students saw little or no connection between the college goals as read as part of the question and the library. Several were specific in mentioning that there was no connection with the humbly Christian emphasis. The respondents who did see a relationship between the college goals and the libary saw the library in a supportive role for classwork or in helping to expand students' knowledge of and exposure to a variety of topics and views. They also saw the library as fostering self-reliant behavior; as library research increases, one matures and learns to become more responsible in completing assignments.


QUESTION #8
Role of Hutchins Library

  Major role for courses in major                                      9
     English
     Psychology
     Sociology
     Chemistry                  2
     Agriculture
     Education
     Industrial Arts
     Nursing
  Senior Requirement research                                          7
  Place to study (especially with addition of study rooms)
  More class related research                                          8
  Personal research                                                    4
  Childrens collection
  Keeping up with current events, in field and general
  Help in locating a job, career guidance, preparation and direction   2
  To help high school brother find information

Most students saw the role of Hutchins Library as "more of the same." Many specifically mentioned senior research classes and other classes in their major as being courses which would require heavy library use and research. Senior requirement and class research in general were also mentioned by several students. Two students also mentioned the possibility of using library resources in helping plan, prepare for and find a job.


QUESTION #9
Changes to B.I.

  Avoid repetition in Comp., Fr. Sem. and Arts Matrix                       3
  Ask the class questions to identify areas which need additional 
     explanation
  Reduce the boredom factor                                                 3
  Have sessions just for those who need them, perhaps individualized        2
  Provide sessions in more hands on, practical way 
     (not just show & tell)                                                 3
  No changes                                                                3
  Concentrate more on indepth use
  Make it more concrete, use handouts to outline/explain areas 
     of use, something student can keep
  Stress availability of library staff to help                              2
  Don't use tape tour (confusing, not effective), actually take 
     class on expanded tour instead                                         2
  Spread out the material over longer period, wait longer between sessions
  Use of computers, more personal level, question/answer type 
     (self paced?) perhaps video instruction?

While a few students saw nothing to change in the program, other students suggested that changes in the B.I. sessions should include an effort to avoid the (perceived?) repetition of material in Comp., Fr. Sem. and Arts Matrix., as well as finding a way to reduce the boredom of the sessions. Having a more practical, hands-on, individual approach was also mentioned (use of handouts, walking students around the library and instruct at point of use, include only those students who need instruction, question/answer approach). Other ideas included spreading the material out over a longer period of time to avoid students feeling overwhelmed by material and concentrating on more indepth use of sources.


QUESTION #10
Research assignment

  Identify cultures & activities, locate information, use encyclopedias, CD-ROM
  Ask librarian where to look, go to area, decide what to do next
  Decide which cultures & aspects, assign section to each person, have  
     each do	research, may have problems because of limited library sources
  Decide on cultures, divide report, each take part, keep central focus, come
     together to collect info
  Use CD-ROM/indexes, try to find easiest way to get info, meet several 
     times to keep unity, subject may evolve in process of completion	
  If can't find enough info, go to a different library
  Find specific section (anthropology?), pick cultures, check catalog 
     under anthropology, if too many problems, change topic
  Find area in library on topic, look through books, may find citation 
     but not be able to locate & use source, if so, ask for help, can't 
     always change topic
  Ask reference librarian for list of reference materials, ask professor
  Look in catalog under associated subjects then in Social Sciences Index 
     (CD-ROM), also use other social sciences reference books
  Use wide variety of periodicals because of currency, use catalog and 
     try to narrow topic, if use older sources, plan ahead if in Frost
  Start general (World Book) to get basic understanding, go to catalog and 
     CD-ROM, many students may want same material, may necessitate heavier 
     use of articles and other sources that aren't as easy to find
  Check indexes, reserve study room for group discussion, get info together
  For historical/extinct cultures, use Special Collections, use CD-ROMs
  May not find enough information, or may need to go outside this library 
     (ILL or actual visit)
  Use catalog, use LCSH to identify subjects, check magazines, use CD-ROMs 			
     and Readers' Guide, to go any farther, ask for help, use Special 
     Collections if research deals with Appalachia, at very end, ask librarian
  Use catalog and look up name of culture, if nothing ther, find a librarian,
     maybe find librarian first, might be better way to get more info easier
  Go to current periodicals dealing with both cultures, include sources and 
     info by indigenous people as well as outsiders, if don't have periodical,
     got to EKU or another library or get book via ILL
  Use catalog or computers, become familiar with cultures, focus on specific
     activities, return to catalog and computers and find more specific info

Most methods of research included use of the catalog (at that time, card catalog), indexes and CD-ROMs. Several students mentioned the possibility and/or necessity of using interlibrary loan sources. Special Collections, librarians and reference staff were also named in a few cases.


QUESTION #11
Role after graduation

  Will use for occupational help                                     9
     English teacher
     Elementary education (activities, videos)
     Child care center director
     Background information for experiments (psychology)
     Technology - keeping abreast of developments in field
     Education
     Industrial arts - formulas, plans, etc.
     Industrial arts & technology education
     English - staying current in field
  Personal development/current events                               16
  Recreational reading                                               8
  Graduate school                                                    5
  Children's recreational reading                                    2
  Would rather buy recreational reading material                     2

The overwhelming response to this question was using the library for personal development/current events information. Many of the students also mentioned library use in support of career needs (education, industry/technology, sciences). Just under half mentioned using the library for recreational reading for themselves or for their future children, although two said they would rather buy their recreational reading material. Nearly 25 percent anticipate use of the library in connection with graduate study.

QUESTION #12
Summary Comments

  Development of sound judgement and understanding of basic problems . . .
     responsibility for their solution . . . coming to personal conclusions 
     and finding out about problems are all tied to library
  Library staff needs to interact with and help people more, give them advice
     about what different sources they could use
  Don't repeat material in B.I. sessions
  Revise research assignments so that information would be easier to obtain (?)
  Uneven knowledge, skill in use of CD-ROM from student to student
  Keep shelves in better order so all volumes are available              2
  Library is very helpful (although not perfect)                         6
  Reference section is full of resources
  Need bookdrop by CPO or Alumni Building
  Only way to learn is to do, be more hands on
  Library is a tool that students use when they need it
  Berea shouldn't be graduating students who can barely use the library 
     (student referring to self), method of instruction did not work 
     (unsure whether because of lack of participation/interest on student's 
     part or because of way the information was presented)
  Update the periodicals and get a wider range
  Freshman instruction is good, but students forget between then and other
     courses, give a short refresher (voluntary, sign up, not course related)
     each semester to update knowledge of library, go through research process
     briefly

Twenty five percent of the respondents said that, although not perfect, the library was very helpful in research process and the method used for instruction. Two students mentioned missing/mishelved volumes as a problem which the library needs to address. Personal involvement, active learning and refresher opportunities were also mentioned as key points.

Susan_Henthorn@berea.edu
mroyse@utk.edu

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Updated 5/23/17
Mail comments or questions to susan_henthorn@berea.edu