Title: Students' Perceived Effectiveness Using the University Library
Abstract: Many academic libraries are wondering whether they are providing adequate physical and intellectual access to library resources for their students.Before planning new services, academic librarians must first evaluate students' current information needs, skills, and satisfaction in using library resources.By using a survey in this investigation, students were asked to rate their effectiveness, their satisfaction, and their needs and expectations in the use of library resources at the University of Rhode Island.After collecting 608 surveys, the data were coded, tabulated, and analyzed, using both quantitative statistical analysis and qualitative content analysis.While the majority of students believe that they are effective seekers and users of library resources, 40 percent were not satisfied with their search for information and materials found.When students were asked what they needed to become more effective users, students recommended better organization and availability of materials, more books and journals, more training and classes, more staff and staff assistance, and enhanced computer facilities.hile demands and costs for library resources and services increase and budgets decrease, how can university libraries ensure that students have physical and intellectual access to resources needed?How can university libraries ensure that students know how to use library resources effectively, especially online catalogs and CD-ROM databases?How do students' expectations change with the advent of these new technologies?Furthermore, do students know how to formulate research questions and how to identify, locate, select, and use resources relevant for their research questions?While planning library instruction and services, librarians should first ask students about their information needs, skills, and satisfaction in using library resources.Therefore, this study assesses the stu-dents' perceived effectiveness, their satisfaction, their needs and expectations in the use of library resources at one university library.