College students' perceptions of library services and resources

College Students' Perceptions of Libraries

Libraries and other information resource centers are essential to scholars and college students alike. Libraries offer services to users of information in a wide variety of disciplines; libraries contain information on Art and Music discipline, social sciences, medicine, religious studies, history, pharmacy, education, business, environmental conservation, law and many more. A library includes a physical space in the form of a building. The advent of technology has made it possible to have online libraries, internet resources or from data stored in a network of computers. Institutions and colleges have websites and databases where students can access scholarly information by holding access accounts protected by passwords.

The importance of libraries in the research world is essential. Roles of librarians in the management of libraries are to ensure effective use of library services, ensure proper filling and arrangement of information sources, and updating of information. Colleges and University libraries' contain information sources; books of a variety of disciplines shelved, information databases or even well designed online libraries for students and lecturers. Using an internet search engine like Google, one can get information on dairy farming or fine art music, history, anthropology and religion. One can clearly say that information is power and that libraries are necessary in the dissemination of knowledge. Many studies center on the importance of libraries, but fewer studies are on the perception of users of library resources.

N.Y.U analysis

Lucinda Covert, Carol .A. Mandel and Cecily Marcus, prepared a report on N.Y.U a 21st century library project based on research recommendations of studies by New York libraries on the needs of student and teachers. New York University library conducted a study on how to develop Elmer Bobst Holmes library, to improve its physical size and service delivery in order to satisfy scholars' needs. A committee provides necessary renovations advice, based on the success of a project undertaken in the year 2004 at Bobst's lower level facility. The study focuses on understanding the needs of faculty staff and graduate students relating to the various changes that have occurred in accessing information resources.

The study was to understand trends in the research process, design better spaces and services that can inspire scholars. The scope of the study also included means to which library staff can develop their abilities, how they can understand their roles and embrace changes. To achieve the goal the committee worked with a New York-based consulting firm Katzenbach Partners. The consulting firm engaged teachers, students and libraries in interviews to address needs of faculty and students. The project committee met with about 65 members of the community in focus groups. Moreover, interviews with graduate students and faculty members provided the majority of data. The study bases on the following issues: challenges that scholars face when engage in research, information about resources, modes of accessing and on the functions of library staff.

From the N.Y.U plan, various issues emerged. One of these is the question of research spaces more importantly the physical space. Ideas on the tools, modes of access and the evolving resources were forthcoming. In addition, Challenges relating to collaborative and interdisciplinary research and discussion on the changing nature of scholarly work. From the study, the following are some of the perceptions that students and scholars have on library and its resource: scholars and students seem to have divergent views on research spaces. Some people hold on traditional beliefs of how libraries ought to have been and to discourage this, Bobst has developed spaces that serve competing and multifaceted needs. One Professor in Bobst's study perceives the library as ignorant on human interfaces in a library. The issue of graduate spaces needs attention in N.Y.U study is worth mentioning; graduate students feel that spaces should be reserved just for them of which the library ignores.

Scholars have divergent opinions on research space relating to privacy. Some prefer quiet spaces free from distractions while others prefer to work among other scholars. Many agree that the library should have more places for collaborative work; this perception arises because social scholars prefer to work with other scholar regardless of their disciplines. Technological changes have revolutionized research activities. One of the scholars states that he prefers online resources, as opposed to the traditional methods of research. To change perceptions of scholars, N.Y.U can expand its services beyond the traditional library setting by designing outreach programs. It should build relations with other institutions within New York. The institution can also develop programs, which incorporates contributions by students and faculty members.

Summary

Looking at the reports from N.Y.U and OCLC it is evident that libraries whether public or private, online or not are very critical for development of scholarly work. N.Y.U plan will register good returns if it implements recommendations made by the consultant. The report also provides a forum for library users to put forward advises and recommendations that guide librarians in providing better library services. A library can create innovations or development of ideas used in solving problems. By observing and recording lectures, conferences scholars gain knowledge. Individuals' institutions and governments should support scholarly work. This can be done when workspaces for scholars are improved, governments fund the research project and in the creation of mechanisms for protecting intellectual creativity.