How international students use library resources and conduct research

Abstract

This study sought to (1) Determine how international students conduct research. (2) Determine whether international students conduct research in the way they perceive that they do. (3) Determine whether international students are efficient in conducting research. This study collected data from 67 international students who attend the University of Iowa, was collected through a survey and testing instrument. The results showed that international students rely heavily on English language websites such as Google and Wikipedia to conduct research for general information and facts. International students did not often use their library’s ILS (Integrated Library System). International students favored using library databases over English websites when tasked with finding a peer reviewed article. However, when asked to find the best resource possible to answer a research question, international students used an English language website primarily with a library database close behind. International students do not accurately self-identify their own methods of conducting research particularly research within their major. Students further in their education performed better on the test than those in earlier years. However, having a librarian come into class did not improve their test scores.