Case studies of successful implementations of bicultural policies and practices in Aotearoa New Zealand public libraries

Abstract

This research project investigates the provision of academic library services to Chinese international students in New Zealand. The aim of the project is to analyse Chinese international students' perceptions, experiences and expectations of the library services, and fill the research gap of applying cross-cultural theories to managing academic library services for international students. The methodology of qualitative interviewing is used in combination with the quantitative analysis of the secondary data from the VUW Library student user survey conducted in 2005. Based on the statistical and cultural analysis, this research concludes that despite the positive and favourable evaluation of the library services, collections and facilities, and library staff, there are mainly four important issues which need to be resolved to satisfy and exceed the needs and expectations of Chinese international students: book retrieval, library as a study place, library collections, and underused library services such as library instruction, reference services, journal resources, subject librarians and the interlibrary loan service. Finally, strategies in providing academic library service for Chinese international students in New Zealand are recommended in relation to these issues, and possible further research topics are also identified. This research is of great significance considering that the success of international education as an export industry in New Zealand depends largely on these international students' adaptation to New Zealand cultures and on their satisfaction with the services and support that they are entitled to according to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, and that the success will benefit not only the educational institutions, but also the New Zealand economy, the whole society and domestic students.