ASSESSING THE NEEDS OF THE 21ST CENTURY

STUDENTPRESENTED BY

GERMAINE CAREY-PALMERDILLARD UNIVERSITY

Definition & Question

The act of assessing; appraisal; evaluationHow do we assess current students?

INTRODUCTIONThis presentation will use survey questions to assess the needs of current students

Show how millennial students differ

Explore ways to reach them where theyare

Yesterday’s StudentRelied on print formats for information

Watched more news programs

Communicated through letters and used landline telephones

Today’s studentsAre cyber information drivenWatch YouTube Google to access informationUse cell phones for contact with others

Pre-Millennial StudentsCommunicated face-to-faceUtilized the library moreAttended physical classroom settings

Post-Millennial Students Use social networking sites to communicateUtilize virtual libraries for informationAttend on-line class

Why do we need assessment?The Librarians at Dillard University wanted to find out what resources students utilize

They formulated some survey questions to assess the needs of the students

The plan is to use what they learn to improve library services

Sample Survey Questions 2008-2009Indicate how frequently you have used the library in the past yeara) never b) 1-5 times c) 6-10 times d) more than 10 times

Have you ever used the library databases? a) never b) 1-5 times c) 6-10 times d) more than 10 times

What kind of library resources do you use for assignments?a) course reserves b) supplemental readings c) interlibrary loan

Frequency of Library UseHow frequently do you use the library t?

Students Respondents Daily 21% 14%Weekly 34% 12%Monthly 17% 6%Yearly 10% 17%Not at all 6% 32%

Sample Survey Questions 2010-2011

Do you prefer online library resources or print forms ? Would you like to receive text messages from the library on new resources?Do you view the library as being too traditional?

Library Resource UsageDo you prefer online library resources or print forms?

Sources Considered Preferred Choice RespondentsSearch engines 68% 80%Library (physical) 16% 11% Online resources 12% 10%

Social Networking ReceiptWould you be receptive to library updates through social networking outlets?

Sources Considered Preferred Choice Respondents

Text Message 42% 80%Twitter 21% 6%Facebook 30% 11%MySpace 4% 2%Email 3% 2%

SummaryThe findings are ongoing and will change the way in which we disseminate information from the library to our students as well as which services will be curtailed or combined to better suit the needs of our students. In addition the budget will be the most important consideration in this assessment.