Another perspective on library use Learning from library non-users

Abstract

 This paper seeks to provide insight into the reasons why students do not use the library for research in order to improve library services. The case study encompasses a mix of two methods. First, it used an in-class survey among undergraduate students at the American University of Paris to measure how many students do use/not use the library in a situation of information need. Second, the researcher conducted 11 interviews with students that said that they had not used the library or its resources (print or online) for researching and writing one identified paper. By taking into account the situation of research, it is possible to describe students’ behavior in different situations providing a more specific picture in comparison to other studies focusing on general patterns.