The Experience of International Students at Cross-Border University Libraries

Karen Bordonaro

doi:10.23974/ijol.2017.vol2.2.20

Abstract

This article describes the results of a small research study investigating international student library use and perceptions in a cross-border setting. The graduate degree program at the center of this study is a binational joint degree M.A. program in Canadian-American studies that takes place simultaneously at Brock University in Canada and at the State University of New York at Buffalo in the United States. The students’ library use was explored as were their perceptions of the two different university library systems. Results indicate that students in such joint degree programs do make use of cross-border university libraries and that they see benefits in doing so. This suggests that these library settings offer librarians a unique but viable way of working with international students, and that cross-border university libraries are worthy of both mention and further study in librarianship.

Highlights

Cross-border university libraries serve as a fascinating place for librarians to study international students
The research project being described in this article took place at the Brock University library in southern Ontario that serves as the Canadian library in a joint Canadian-American Studies graduate Master of Arts (M.A.) program that began in the fall of 2013
Its American counterpart is the State University of New York at Buffalo library located in Western New York that serves as the American partner in this joint degree program

Summary

Introduction

Cross-border university libraries serve as a fascinating place for librarians to study international students. This article flows from the cross-border setting of the United States and Canada It offers the results of a small research project done to explore library use and perceptions of its affiliated international students. Results from this study indicate that cross-border university libraries offer a viable place for librarians to work with international students, and that this unique setting deserves greater recognition in librarianship. In the last 15 years or so, its mission has widely expanded to serve graduate students as well, at both the master’s degree level and the doctoral level. This particular M.A. program is one of 49 graduate programs currently being offered by the university

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion