Retooling Library Services for International Student Success

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Retooling Library Services for International
Student Success
Academic Library Association of Ohio 35th Annual
Conference Wilmington, Ohio October 30, 2009
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Robert D. Vega Reference Services
Librarian Assistant Professor of Library
Services Christopher Center for Library
Information Resources Valparaiso University
Kwabena Sekyere Electronic Information Services
Librarian Assistant Librarian King Library Miami
University
William H. Weare, Jr. Access Services
Librarian Assistant Professor of Library
Services Christopher Center for Library
Information Resources Valparaiso University
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Overview
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Open Doors
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Newly Enrolled International Students
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Valparaiso University
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Christopher Center
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International Students at Valparaiso
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International Enrollment at Valparaiso (2004 to
2009)
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INTERLINK
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Miami University
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Miami University Libraries
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International Students at Miami
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Language Issues

• Verbalcirculation, instruction, reference
• Writtenresearch guides, signs
• Visuallibrary website

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Verbal Communication
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Written Communication
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Visual Communication
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Cultural Differences

• Student expectations of library services
• Traditional instruction paradigm vs.
  learner-centered teaching
• Misunderstandings at service points aside from
  language difficulties

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Expectations of Library Services
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Traditional Instruction Paradigm vs.
Learner-Centered Teaching
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Misunderstandings at Service Points
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Other Problems, Concerns, Issues

• Technology
• Plagiarism
• Staff Development

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Services and Outreach at Valparaiso
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Hire International Students
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Resources for International Students
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International Conversation Group
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Library Instruction
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Services and Outreach at Miami
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Orientation
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Chinese Language Tour of King Library
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Workshop on Citation at the Howe Writing Center
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Other Services and Outreach Efforts Discussed in
the Literature

• Library guides in languages other than English
• Tours or orientation in languages other than
  English
• Individualized library instruction
• Librarians teaming with ESL and SLA faculty

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Other Services and Outreach Efforts Discussed in
the Literature

• Letter of welcome from the library for new
  international students
• Meet / work with the students in international
  housing or centers
• Host international-themed events and speakers
• Creation of an international student library
  liaison

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Future Directions at Valparaiso

• Library guides created by international students
• Welcome video for internationals
• Campus services for international students that
  could be housed in the library

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Future Directions at Miami

• More videos in other languages
• Library handouts / brochures in different
  languages
• Page in LibGuides for international students
• Signage

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Final Thoughts Questions

• What services are you currently offering on your
  campus?
• What initiatives are you considering?

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References / Recommended Readings

• Amsberry, D. (2008). Talking the talk library
  classroom communication and international
  students. The Journal of Academic Librarianship,
  34 (4), 354-357.
• Buckner, T., French, T. (2007). International
  students and the academic library how one
  library is working to make its international
  students feel at home. Kentucky Libraries, 71
  (2), 8-11.
• Curry, A. Copeman, D. (2005). Reference service
  to international students a field simulation
  research study. The Journal of Academic
  Librarianship, 31 (5), 409-420.

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References / Recommended Readings

• Jacobson, F. F. (1988). Bibliographic instruction
  and international students. Illinois Libraries,
  70, 628-633.
• Mundava, M. (2008). Meeting them where they are
  marketing to international student populations in
  U.S. academic libraries. Technical Services
  Quarterly, 25 (3), 35-48.
• Natowitz, A. (1995). International students in
  U.S. academic libraries recent concerns and
  trends. Research Strategies, 13 (1), 4-16.
• Wayman, S. G. (1984). The international student
  in the academic library. Journal of Academic
  Librarianship, 9 (6), 336-341.

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Contact Us

• Robert D. Vega
• robert.vega_at_valpo.edu

Kwabena Sekyere sekyerk_at_muohio.edu
William H. Weare, Jr. william.weare_at_valpo.edu