User education : what do students want

Abstract

Voluntary user education classes in libraries are notoriously poorly attended. While various approaches have been suggested to rectify this, there is little evidence that such programmes actually address the needs of those for whom they are designed. Undergraduate student teachers were surveyed to determine which library-related topics they wanted to learn more about along with their preferences for methods of instruction. The study also sought to identify other information needs arising from the difficulties that they encounter with each stage of the assignment process. The results showed that for these students, finding and using information is a relatively easy part of the assignment process. This provides an explanation for students' lack of motivation to improve their library skills. Most students wanted to learn more about the Internet and the use of electronic databases, but it was also possible to identify specific sets of topics to be taught at each year of study. From these it is possible to develop a structured user education programme which supports the Diploma of Teaching.