Unifying academic research and writing services: Student perspectives on a combined service model

Abstract

Research and Writing tutoring frequently occur as separate activities, even in academic libraries which provide shared spaces for these activities. The authors' library experimented with co-staffing these services and providing students with options for shared consultations covering both writing and research in the same session. This article presents findings from a year-long study which surveyed students to determine learning outcomes and overall satisfaction with this shared service model. The article presents an original approach to service analysis, as most studies to-date focus on service provider feedback, rather than student assessment of service quality. Results from the survey, while indicating high levels of satisfaction, suggest that an even tighter integration of services is needed, with more cross-training on the jargon and approaches of each discipline.