Promotion of information skills classes at the University of Auckland : what methods are effective and why?

Abstract

Information skills classes at the University of Auckland are designed to teach students how to use library resources such as the library catalogue and library databases, as well as well as give a general overview of the libraries at the University of Auckland. Most classes are voluntary. This project surveys students enrolled in the semester two, 2005, intake for Management 101, a course that is compulsory for all students enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Auckland. The focus of the study is students' level of awareness of information skills classes and their level of attendance at information skills classes. Analysis focuses on: the effectiveness of methods of promotion; student perceptions of information skills classes; reasons for attendance and non-attendance; and expected outcomes of information skills classes. This project also surveys staff at the University of Auckland libraries who are involved with promotional activities for information skills classes, and/or who have regular contact with students at library information desks, or act as Subject Librarians. This project focuses on the promotional activities undertaken by these library staff, and their perceived effectiveness of these promotional activities. Analysis focuses on: feelings of library staff concerning information skills classes and their promotion. Results show that staff and students are generally positive about information skills classes and their promotion. This does not, however, always lead to high levels of attendance and awareness from student respondents. The reasons underpinning student respondents' usage (or non-usage) of information skills classes prove to be complex.