Chinese academic libraries from the perspective of international students studying in China

Abstract

With China's economy constantly developing, more international students are going to China to study and research. We, the researchers from United States and China, are interested in the international students' perspectives of using the Chinese academic libraries. A survey was conducted at Wuhan and Beijing universities to obtain feedback from the international students on their experiences with library services. Information was collected using a five-point Likert Scale questionnaire focusing on the areas of general library services, policies, collections, electronic access, and the library environment. Qualitative results were gathered through an option of additional comments. Analysis of the survey data would aid the Chinese academic librarians in becoming more aware of their library services for international students as well as their domestic patrons. This study also provides a window for American librarians and researchers to learn the current development of Chinese academic libraries.