Preprint Article: Why Some Students Continue to Value Individual, Face-to-Face Research Consultations in a Technology-Rich World

Title

Why Some Students Continue to Value Individual, Face-to-Face Research Consultations in a Technology-Rich World

Author

Trina J. Magi
University of Vermont

Source

College & Research Libraries
Anticipated for Publication: September 2013

Abstract

For decades, academic librarians have provided individual research consultations for students. There is little information, however, about why students schedule consultations, the kinds of assistance students feel are provided by librarians during consultations, and what students find valuable about face-to-face consultations, even with the availability of online research help. This exploratory, qualitative study of individual research consultations at the University of Vermont gathered students’ views on these questions. The findings will help librarians better understand how individual consultations serve students and what role consultations should play in the mix of reference services offered.

Direct to Full Text Article (33 pages; PDF)

Filed under: Academic Libraries, Libraries