School of Information Management · Te Kura Tiaki, Whakawhiti Kōrero: MIS, MLIS, and MIM Research Papers

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Open Access
‘Identifying an approach for Aotearoa New Zealand libraries and the Sustainable Development Goals’
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2024) Rust, Antonia; Lilley, Spencer
Research Problem: The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are seen as being very relevant for libraries and an opportunity for them to show their value. This research aims to fill a gap in understanding what approach New Zealand libraries could be taking in addressing the SDGs. Methodology: An inductive content analysis using a qualitative approach was undertaken. Organisational documents and webpages were used as the data set from seven international and national library associations. A small case study was also conducted for the eight New Zealand universities and their libraries. Results: An ad hoc approach to addressing the SDGs by library associations was found, especially in terms of setting targets and reporting on the SDGs. Three international library associations were found that showed a dedicated commitment. A model informed by systems theory was developed to attempt to explain how an ideal coordinated approach to the SDGs might look like for library associations and libraries. It suggests library associations should be setting targets and supporting their member libraries to develop SDG initiatives and in return, libraries contribute feedback in the form of stories showing impact. Implications: The results imply that there is a need for leadership for New Zealand libraries to coordinate efforts towards the SDGs, to set targets, monitor progress and report on impact. Further research into New Zealand librarians’ views on the SDGs, their capacity and willingness to engage with them is required.
Open Access
Wero: transforming GLAM places into spaces of wellbeing - Hineahuone challenges the status quo
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2024) Smeaton, Rin; Lilley, Spencer
Research problem In my own experience as an Indigenous woman working in GLAM, I’ve felt confronted by a worldview not immediately conducive to my own in these spaces. This research provides an overview of how GLAM in Aotearoa (New Zealand) is faring in bicultural practices since Tui McDonald’s 1993 report was published. Methodology This research identifies tangible values present in GLAM space by applying a Mana Wāhine/Hineahuone framework and documentary analysis. It allows me to compare and contrast Māori values in practice from 6 anonymous GLAM institutions (GIs). Results Whānau flourish when we see ourselves reflected in GLAM space that embraces Māori values.However, the lack of consistency in and progress in biculturalism, bilingualism and Tikanga Māori is noticeable in many Institutions, even in 2023 - 30 years after McDonald’s report. Implications This is a timely reminder that, despite having made some improvements over time, incrementally, this is not enough and it’s too slow. If GLAM and its executive leads want to be transformational, it should reflect and act on its responses to Whānau Māori.
Open Access
For the Environment: Attitudes of New Zealand’s Public Library Managers towards Taking an Active Role in the Promotion and Facilitation of Environmental Education in Libraries.
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2024) Evans, Matthew; Krtalić, Maja
Research Problem: The research sought to address the lack of studies investigating New Zealand’s public librarians’ attitudes towards environmental sustainability in libraries. Methodology: A survey developed using the Qualtrics software was sent out to New Zealand public library managers and senior librarians. The survey collected both quantitative and qualitative data which was analysed through methods such as thematic analysis to answer the research questions. Results: The study found many of the surveyed library managers and senior librarians agreed with the implementation and promotion of environmentally focused initiatives, however, some saw their role not as educators but to facilitate sustainably focused organisations. The study also found initiatives in partnership with external environmental education organisations were the most successful. Furthermore, the data identified access to partnerships, lack of funds and staffing were barriers for libraries to implement environmental education. Implications: My research identified a need for resources to help librarians connect and facilitate with local environmentally focused organisations. As well as a need for targeted funding for New Zealand libraries to support the creation of environmental education services and events. The study also encourages further research, including increasing the sample size to include all New Zealand librarians or exploring topics on how to best support managers to implement sustainable initiatives.
Open Access
The Preservation of Published Social Media Content in Sporting Organisations
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2023) Williamson, Madeleine; Liew, Chern Li
This research project aimed to develop our understanding of what actions sporting organisations (SOs) are taking to preserve their published social media content, in order to establish what steps might be required to promote good preservation practices within the industry. A survey was distributed amongst the national and international-level sporting organisations that represent IOC approved sports in native English-speaking countries to gather information on their Social Media (SM) posting habits, any preservation practices, policies, and standards (P-PPS) — general (G-P-PPS) and SM-specific (SM-P-PPS) —they might have in place and their perceptions regarding the importance of both practices. Results showed that SM is a well used and important tool within the sporting industry (SI). However, few organisations have SMP-PPS currently despite the prominent belief that preservation is important for the documentation of sporting history. Further, few SOs have formally assigned preservation-specific responsibilities to current employees due to limitations such as financial constraints, low-staff capacity and lack of appropriate training. Therefore, provision of industry-wide preservation training and the creation of umbrella preservation standards or policy templates would be useful to assist SOs of all organisation-levels with developing and implementing their own P-PPS
Open Access
Archives in the news: portrayal of archives in the New Zealand press
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2023) Gruschow, Samuel; Krtalić, Maja
Research Problem. There is little recent analysis of press articles specifically focusing on archives, especially those in New Zealand, and archives are underrepresented in news media analysis in comparison to libraries and museums. There is a need to identify the themes, topics, and coverage of archival institutions in written news articles, and the general sentiment of press coverage. Methodology. Research was undertaken in the form of a qualitative content analysis of press articles published in New Zealand over the past ten years, which were chosen to be representative of media communications around archives. Articles were coded based on the themes present in the text, and the overall sentiment of each article. Results. Portrayal of archives by the New Zealand press is generally positive, and any negative sentiment tends to align with constructive critique, rather than cynicism or promotion of stereotypes. Topical themes including digitisation, funding concerns, and access to collections are commonly presented by the press, which in turn may influence the perception of archives by the public. Implications. Archives can benefit from a relatively free and trusted press, using the press to promote their activities to a wide audience, but must balance this with the press holding them to account for their management of resources, and provision of access to the public. The press is influential on public perception and effective press coverage of archives could lead to higher levels of engagement with their users and the wider community.
Open Access
The family archives of New Zealand's Chinese immigrant community
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2023) Moobs, Kimberley; Krtalić, Maja
Family archives are unique collections that can be both personally and culturally relevant. However, most past academic research has focused only on the family archives of already prominent individuals and families. Traditionally, such academic research has also excluded minority groups such as immigrant communities. In recent years, there has been a push in archives research to find value in the items, records and stories of family archives of marginalised groups. This research utilised semi-structured interviews of Chinese immigrants in New Zealand to explore the contents, preservation, and sharing of their family archives. It revealed that the archives of Chinese immigrants are relatively young, only one or two generations old due to past poor record-keeping and socio-economic challenges. Despite this, the archives are diverse, often consisting of family records, physical and digital photographs, artwork, jewellery, religious objects, and household items. These items ranged from being those kept in safe spaces and never used, to those used sparingly, to those items that are fully integrated into everyday life and used. They are items that not only connect individuals to their family, but also connect them to their heritage country and culture. These items, along with the stories behind them, are described by the participants as those that are commonplace in the Chinese immigrant community. As such, it appears that these family archives also tell the story not just of the individual, but of a community experience. This places great value on these family archives and their stories as they tell the wider story of a community in New Zealand - a story that is not often shared in the mainstream narrative of New Zealand’s history.
Open Access
Natural Allies in National Libraries: Open Data Platforms and GLAM Labs
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2022) Ardell, Samuel Joseph; Campbell-Meier, Jennifer
Research Problem There is an increasing amount of data generated and held by cultural heritage institutions. As national libraries are making this data available through open data platforms, this research explores how features of labs could be utilised to improve the manner in how this data is presented for users, and whether these two apparently distinct approaches could have more to do with each other than might be initially thought. Methodology A qualitative Content Analysis approach was used to study the websites of the institutions under study. The population included twenty-two national libraries across three geographic areas: Europe, North America and Australasia. Results While some form of open data is offered by the majority of national libraries, only a handful have developed detailed platforms for users, whereas the majority present open data in technical, undeveloped webpages as bare data dumps or through APIs. Labs exist in a number of institutions, and can be distinguished between those that present an external service, and those that are internal only. The external platforms present unique and creatives ways to present data to users, and have features that are suitable to adopt for open data presentation in national libraries. Implications Cultural heritage Institutions should consider not just what they are making available, but also how they are making data available. Institutions should seek ways to get users to engage, via shaping and presenting information in a relatable way. Lessons can be learned from how labs use and present data in innovate ways, in order to engage staff and users. Applying the features of and learnings from the lab experience to how institutions present open data could be a means to supplement the often dry, technical information presented. Exploring this in a specific institution as a case study would be the next step in this process.
Open Access
Kōmako Database Usability Test
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2022) Ratana, Tiana; Lilley, Spencer
Bridget Underhill’s original Bibliography was published in 1998, entitled A Bibliography of Writing by Māori in English with partial annotation. The preface provides the cultural background and motivation behind the bibliography as well as the research methodologies used. This includes the influence of feminist theory from the 1970s and other revolutionary critics of literary canon (vii). Underhill states that the bibliography was written as a part of the larger “effort to reclaim the Māori literary tradition” from the marginalization it had faced under the western-Eurocentric literary tradition of the time. Literature prior to this period largely treated Māori literature as an ethnographic or historic artifact documenting a dying culture. This was largely shaped by philosophies such as social darwinism, and positivist scientific theories (Tuhiwai Smith, P. L., 2021, 28). During the 1980’s contemporary Māori authors highlighted the ongoing invisibility of Māori writing in mainstream literary criticism (Underhilll, x). Underhill’s thesis was only one of many projects and writings attempting to change these attitudes and validate Māori writings, along with multiple other efforts during the late 1980s and 1990s, such as Te Ao Mārama. Māori bibliographies also existed prior to this, including; Herbert W Williams A bibliography of printed Maori to 1900 (1924-1928), and Kathie Irwin’s et al. (1991) Maori women : an annotated bibliography. A key aspect of Underhill’s bibliography was its dedication to Māori research methodologies, discussions and the involvement of Kaumātua. The resulting bibliography involved over 1000 authors and roughly 1400 publications. Underhill concludes that she hopes that the bibliography would act as a catalyst for future research and discussion.
Open Access
Motivations and prospects for the adoption and implementation of virtual reality in Aotearoa New Zealand's public libraries
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2022) Grodecki, Yaktrina; Goulding, Anne
Research problem: The motivations of public libraries in New Zealand (NZ) to adopt and offer virtual reality (VR) programmes to their users; the ways in which the libraries offer VR; and the prospects of future VR programming. Methodology: The staff of nine public libraries in NZ that offer VR took part in semi-structured interviews. The qualitative data was coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: This research offers an overview of the implementation of VR in NZ’s public libraries, including challenges and future opportunities. The libraries introduced VR in order to provide their users equitable access to the technology. Although the libraries offered both games and experience-based apps, several participants expressed their goals of developing VR content and offering learning-focused programmes. The greatest setback for the libraries has been the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted the ability of the libraries to deliver in-person VR programmes. While several libraries found ways to adapt to these changes, others waited for the easing of restrictions to return to their regular programming. Implications: The experiences of the participating libraries provide insights for their counterparts that offer VR. For libraries that are contemplating the adoption of the technology, the results comprise an overview of opportunities and challenges to consider.
Open Access
‘Ngā Matatiki Mātauranga: Māori collections and libraries, Tikanga ways of being’
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2022) Banks, Ethan Anthony Melbye; Lilley, Spencer
There is trauma in how Indigenous knowledge collections in libraries are managed. This paper seeks to understand the Māori context of Indigenous knowledges management in library collections. A review of selected library policies regarding collection development and specifically Māori collection content will be explored using Mead’s Tikanga Test (2003). From this analysis will be inferred the ways in which Pākehā (Non-Māori/Non-Indigenous persons) manage Indigenous knowledges in culturally-unsafe ways, followed by a best practices guide for culturally-safe management of Indigenous collections. This will draw from a Māori perspective, in Aotearoa-New Zealand as this paper draws upon a kaupapa Māori framework. The framework will drive the findings to tell the story of Indigenous collections in Aotearoa and how best to distinguish our futures.
Open Access
How Public Library Staff Engage with Video Games and Video Game Services
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2022) Templeton, Lisette; Goulding, Anne
Research problem – The average age of video game players is above 30 in many parts of the world, but the literature surrounding video games in public libraries often focuses on engaging children and teenagers. This suggests that there may be an underserved population of video game players in public libraries. In addition to this, successful video game ventures require organisers familiar with and knowledgeable about video games. It is unknown whether public library staff in general possess these qualities, or if they are engaged with video game services. This report aimed to investigate how public library staff in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) engage with video games and video game services. Methodology – Invitations to participate in an online questionnaire were sent to 20 public library systems and the NZ-Libs email list. Five organisations agreed to distribute the questionnaire to their staff. A sample size of 183 respondents was achieved. Questions were asked about video game experiences, perceptions, and library services. Results – NZ public library staff appear to engage with video games in a similar way to the general NZ population. In addition, there appears to be an overall positive perception of their place in public libraries (87% of respondents supported video games in public libraries). Video game players appear to think more positively about video games and be more aware of their impact on individuals compared to non-players. They also appear to be more confident in delivering related services and more likely to be running related events. Video game services in NZ public libraries seem to largely target younger age groups, mirroring the perceived main target audience for video games indicated by respondents. This revealed a potentially underserved population (video game players aged 46 – 84) for NZ public libraries that offer video game services. Implications – It appears that encouraging engagement with video games may improve staff confidence in delivering video game services, although further research is required to confirm this. In addition, there is a potentially underserved population of video game players aged 46 – 84, who account for nearly half of the 46 – 84 year old population. Evaluation of this potentially underserved population is an interesting topic for future research.
Open Access
Investigating customer demand at Tūranga in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2021) Focamp, Paul; Goulding, Anne
Covid-19 and the resulting nationwide lockdown of 2020 has had a considerable impact on the lives of New Zealanders. This study investigates the impact the pandemic has had on the demand central Christchurch residents have for services at Tūranga, the city’s main library which is located in Cathedral Square. A survey attracted 103 respondents who live in the inner city and the results suggest changes in demand from inner-city residents. These results are discussed under the lens of motivation theory with written comments from the respondents used to shed further light on their quantitatively-expressed preferences. Proposed responses to the results include adjusting the marketing of community events and the use of motivation theory concepts and practice when assisting unemployed customers at Tūranga.
Open Access
An Investigation and Evaluation of how Wellington City Libraries incorporate STEAM Education into Children and Youth services and programmes
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2021) McLachlan, Kate; Goulding, Anne
Research statement: This study investigates and analyses the perspective of Children and Young Adult (CYA), librarians on their experiences and opinions of STEAM learning incorporated within CYA services and programmes, for children. The outcome of this research will provide better knowledge and understanding of how New Zealand Public Library STEAM services and programmes can be improved, focusing on further development of STEAM and library policies, practice and services to encourage more library users, (children and their parents) to develop the knowledge and skills vital to their growth and contribution in the global work economy. Methodology: This research was a qualitative study that used a phenomenological methodology. Seven librarians, who work in STEAM and children’s services from four public library networks in Wellington, participated. Face to face interviews were conducted to collect data. Results: The findings of this study revealed there have long been some elements of STEAM present in existing WCL children and youth services (CYA) such as preschool storytime, Baby Rock and Rhyme and school holiday programmes. Despite making significant advances in their CYA services by introducing robotics, technology; arts and crafts and Lego as a method of incorporating STEAM into their CYA services, STEAM services are still in the experimental stage and require further planning and development, especially in the areas of formal structure and content of programmes. WCL has been delivering unique STEAM themed programmes and events after school, during school holidays and school visits that have been successful through attendance and engagement from children. Results from the interviews and literature suggest STEAM services for children are another platform through which children, as well as their families, schools and various communities. Implications: The findings of this study will be of interest to librarians and public libraries that work in children and youth services and want to develop improved programmes and services that more effectively meet the information needs of children in learning STEAM education.
Open Access
Mobile libraries and digital inclusion in non-urban Aotearoa New Zealand
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2021) Bell, Rachel Ann; Goulding, Anne
PROBLEM: The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution mobile libraries are making to digital inclusion in non-urban areas of Aotearoa New Zealand, the challenges mobile librarians face in providing digital inclusion services, and how mobile libraries collaborate with other organisations to support digital inclusion. Research concerning mobile libraries and their role in supporting digital inclusion is limited, and this study aims to begin closing this gap in the literature. METHODOLOGY: This research project was qualitative and conducted using semi-structured interviews of six staff members from five mobile libraries. Research data was coded and analysed to identify key themes and insight on the topic. RESULTS: By providing a range of digital inclusion services, participating mobile librarians contribute positively to digital inclusion in non-urban areas of Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants reported a range of challenges in providing these digital inclusion services, as well as a number of opportunities to collaborate in their delivery. Many mobile librarians were transitioning towards a more contemporary model of service provision and identified a number of themes associated with this change. IMPLICATIONS: Findings from this project suggest many avenues for future research, and may be useful to mobile librarians and their potential collaborators, researchers looking to investigate in this area, and those seeking a greater and more nuanced understanding of digital inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Open Access
Makerspaces: An examination of collaborative partnerships between public libraries and schools
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2021) Yuen, Krista Amber; Liew, Chern Li
Problem Makerspaces are gaining prevalence in school environments, but teachers are often overwhelmed with new digital technologies, often describing themselves as “self-confessed technophobes” (Ministry of Education, 2015). Given that knowledge sharing is the heart of the maker movement (Ministry of Education, 2015), drawing on a wide range of expertise and human resources is a useful way to help support designing, developing, and sustaining makerspaces. If teachers have the relevant support, this will assist them to learn their way through using the technology often found in makerspaces. Looking into the collaborative partnerships between public libraries and schools allows for further understanding of how libraries are willing to support local schools and their access to resources and knowledge. Methodology Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven public librarians from six different libraries about their experiences with or barriers to collaborating with school staff regarding makerspaces or other STEAM related activities. The interview data was analysed using a thematic analysis methodology to identify overarching themes. The interview data was then compared against findings from existing research. Results Although the sample size for this research was small and did not include as many participants as initially desired, the results still contribute to an understanding of the experience and benefits towards building collaborative partnerships between libraries and schools regarding the development, design, and sustainment of makerspaces. The findings illustrate how a couple of libraries have built and developed collaborative programmes with schools, and the willingness to share knowledge with their local schools and community around the access to the tools available in library makerspaces. The librarians interviewed are willing to support their communities by aiding school staff and students with digital technologies. Implications Areas identified for further research include further exploration of this topic is employing either a longitudinal study or mixed method design. Also interviewing and exploring how school staff feel about partnership and collaboration with librarians could provide further understanding around this subject, as well as the relevance of makerspaces and makerspace type activities in schools. Additionally, a longitudinal case study approach of how schools design, develop or sustain their makerspaces may also provide further insight into the ongoing growth, and use of makerspaces in schools.
Open Access
An examination into the ways in which museums communicate about and engage audience on climate change and environmental issues on their Facebook platforms
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2021) Bikovska, Dragana
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges that the world is facing at the moment. The climate change issue has been identified as “one of the most significant and fastest growing threats to people and their heritage worldwide” (García, 2019). It affects many aspects of people's lives and the planet. The social, physical, environmental and economic worlds are all impacted by climate change. Due to human activity, the temperature increases globally, leading to more severe and frequent natural disasters (Jigyasu, 2019). The Ministry for the Environment has identified aspects on which there will be likely impacts of climate change. These include higher temperatures, flooding, water resources, sea-level rise, health, biodiversity, built environment, transport, agriculture, and business and finances (Ministry for the Environment, 2019). The extensive list provides details only for New Zealand. While other countries will likely have similar impacts, other aspects may also be included and might be more severe. Climate change could potentially have a more significant negative impact on developing countries in comparison to developed countries (Dotson et al., 2012). However, some people are still uncertain about the scientific facts about the causes and effects of climate change and the impact of human actions (Parker et al., 2019).
Open Access
"Unveiling the Agatha Christies of Aotearoa." A selective annotated bibliography on crime fiction by New Zealand women writers from 2000 - 2019
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2020) Paul, Rachel
Since the early nineteenth century, crime fiction has since become extremely popular and the genre had grown into multiple subgenres. Some of the more common subgenres are – • “whodunit” fiction which is the most common form and it provides the readers with clues that would eventually reveal the crime • legal thrillers - where characters are usually lawyers or policemen • inverted detectives - where the plot reveals the criminal at the beginning and then the story works back to it
Open Access
“THAT was NOT there before”: how family history researchers use public libraries in New Zealand
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2020) Aiken, Laura Ashleigh
PROBLEM This study examines how family history researchers use libraries in New Zealand. It seeks to understand their relationship with libraries, the information-seeking behaviour and strategies they employ, and how they access resources and retrieve records at libraries. These aspects have not been studied recently and so the amount of current data on them is lacking, leaving many components to be examined. METHODOLOGY A mixed-methods design was used to gather data via an anonymous online survey, asking quantitative and qualitative questions. The survey was sent to members of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists, and the results were analysed statistically for key themes and patterns. RESULTS Family history researchers use libraries to access the physical and electronic materials. Their strategies and behaviours are dictated by their relationship with libraries. Libraries still play a key role in the facilitation and success of family history research, even with the pervasiveness of the internet. IMPLICATIONS Libraries need to maintain and develop the current physical and electronic access they provide to key family history materials. The relationship between family history researchers and the libraries they use is integral to their research success.
Open Access
Leisure Information Behaviour of New Zealand Malyalees with Special Reference to Consumption of Malayalam Movies
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2020) George, Don
Research Problem: This study examines the leisure information behaviour [IB] of New Zealand Malayalees, an immigrant group from Kerala, India, with special emphasis on the consumption of Malayalam movies. It examines the various sources through which they collect their leisure information, and how far their leisure IB is influenced by socio-cultural factors. It contributes to a lesser studied area of IB studies, immigrants’ leisure IB. Methodology: A qualitative methodology characterised by ethnographic and phenomenological perspectives was used. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling method was used to select 12 respondents, four each from three cities of New Zealand, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, from Malayalee community. Semi-structured, in depth interviews were conducted with participants in their own language to collect the data. Results: Leisure IB of New Zealand Malayalees was characterised by the sourcing of infotainment products, dominated by Malayalam film content, mainly from Kerala, India, the region from where they had immigrated. As they used diasporic, transnational information channels to access their content, Internet followed by friends and relatives were their main information sources, and information institutions in the host country had minimal influence on their leisure IB. Their leisure IB was heavily influenced by their socio-cultural and linguistic preferences. Implications: This study implies that leisure IB of immigrants and its relation to socio-cultural factors is an important area to be studied in depth. How libraries in host countries could cope with the leisure needs of immigrants needs to be researched.
Open Access
Subject Guides and Resource Discovery
(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2020) Tyson, A. F.
Research problem Subject guides are disciplinary resource discovery maps long created by librarians to assist library users in independently locating resources within the library. While best practices in the design and promotion of guides are well documented in the literature, analyses of usage are scant. Furthermore, given developments in resource discovery, including Web-scale discovery tools and Google Scholar, subject guide usage needs to be contextualised in relation to the usage of other discovery tools. Methodology Access data for the access of subject guides and resource discovery tools located on the University of Canterbury (UC) Library Website was collected for the last five weeks of the first term of the academic year. Subject guide access data was gathered using Google Analytics and resource discovery tool access data was gathered from EZproxy server logs. Access statistics for subject guides (hosted on LibGuides) were analysed to investigate disciplinary differences in subject guide access. To investigate disciplinary differences in resource access behaviour, EZproxy server logs were parsed and analysed to quantify resource access originating from the four main resource discovery tools offered by UC Library: subject guides (as hosted on LibGuides), Web-scale discovery (Summon), databases (via Biblioplus) and Google Scholar. Results Four disciplinary groups of subject guides were responsible for 82% of all subject guide page views, with the remaining 18 disciplinary groups of guides having relatively low access. When raw access figures were normalised according to student enrolments, subject guides for the Law & Legal Studies, Studies in Human Society, and History & Archaeology disciplines attracted disproportionately high access, while subject guides in Economics, Engineering, and Mathematical Sciences attracted disproportionately low access. Analysing the resource discovery tools used to access sample databases for these disciplines revealed different disciplinary approaches to resource discovery. Disciplines that had high access rates for subject guides were more likely to commence information resource searches in subject guides or a specific database. Disciplines that had low access rates for subject guides were more likely to commence information resource searches in Summon or Google Scholar. Implications The differences in subject guide usage and resource discovery approaches suggests different disciplinary needs for information resource discovery. Given the low usage for most guides found in this study and the dominance of Summon, in particular, as a resource discovery tool, the creation of subject guides for all disciplines may no longer be an effective method for supporting patrons in resource discovery.