Kathy Faubion
Soria, K. M., Fransen,
J., & Nackerud, S. (2017). Beyond books: The extended academic benefits of library
use for first-year college students. College & Research Libraries, 78,
8-22. doi:10.5860/crl.78.1.8
Descriptive Summary: This study looked at
the correlation between students’ use of library classes, and library resources
and databases, with academic performance. It attempts to understand how use of
library resources promotes critical thinking skills and also how it affects grades
and other academic measures of success. Academic resources studied were books,
reference use, web use, databases, and library classes. The primary correlation
was to grade point average since this is measurement closely looked at in
accountability. The study recognizes that student academic success seems to go
hand in hand with library use, but it is unclear whether it is a case of a
motivated student using the library, or library users becoming motivated
students. Using an Input-Environment-Output model, this study measured
precollege variables, college experiences, library usage, and grades to look
for relationships. The study concluded that students who used the library resources
were more likely to do well academically.
Evaluation: I thought this a valuable
study. In a time when libraries have to prove that they are still useful, this
study highlights that library users are engaged students and engaged students
use their library resources.
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