Analysis of the problems of Chinese commerce students in using the library and information resources at University of Canterbury

Abstract

This research investigated the problems of Chinese Commerce students in using the library and information resources and the preferred deliver}' methods of information skills programmes to these students at the University of Canterbury. The data was gathered by distributing 220 copies of questionnaires to Chinese Commerce students through the faculty and 113 copies of the questionnaires were returned. This research indicates that Chinese Commerce students have poor attendance at the information skills programmes, which may be caused by both a lack of awareness of what information literacy means for them among these students and the library's lack of awareness of assistance to these students. These students have poor library and information knowledge and skills, of which the}' are not aware. Poor English language proficiency and communication skills are still the significant barriers for Chinese students in using the library and information resources, although they do not believe the barriers are significant. This is probably because the} do not use the library and information resources much. The information skills programmes should be a compulsory part of the course the students are enrolled in. Comprehensive and detailed training materials or handouts which are given to these students before the training starts, coupled with assessment of what and how much they have learned, will really be helpful for them to learn about library and information skills.