Embedded Library Services: Beyond Chance Encounters for Students from Low SES Backgrounds

Figures & data

Table 1 Profile of survey respondents and comparisons with unit profile.

		All Enrolled in unit (n = 152)	Survey 1 respondents (n = 17)	Survey 2 respondents (n = 23)^b
		(%)	(%)	(%)
Enrolment mode	Internal	35	35	24
	External	65	65	76
Attendance type	Full-time	75	76	74
	Part-time	25	24	26
Gender	Female	86	94	90
	Male	14	6	10
Low SES^a		25	18	24

Note:

a As measured using the postcode definition (DEEWR 2009).

b At the time of Survey 2, enrolment in the unit was 139.

Table 2 Experience of ease of use and search success with library's online resources – percentage agreement.

	Survey 1 (n = 17)	Survey 2 (n = 23)
Items:	(%)	(%)
It was “very” or “somewhat easy” to use the library's online resources^a	71	87
In using the library's online resources I found what I wanted “always” or “most of the time”^a	71	81
I was “very motivated” or “motivated” to learn how to use the library's online resources^a	59	89

Note:

a A five point scale was used. The five were collapsed into three categories for reporting purposes.

Table 3 Respondents' reflections on their experiences of the library – reported gains.

	Rating scale^a
	“Quite a bit” to “much” more	“A little” to “somewhat” more	“About the same”
Question stem: Reflecting on your experience of using the library this trimester, to what extent are you now more:	(%)	(%)	(%)
Curious about library resources and services	48	34	9
Familiar with the library online resources	48	34	9
Confident in using eBooks	48	26	26
Confident in using academic databases	50	30	17
Comfortable contacting library staff for assistance	52	30	17

Note:

a A five point rating scale was used. The five categories were collapsed into three for reporting purposes.

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). 2009. “Measuring the Socio-economic Status of Higher Education Students.” Discussion Paper. December. http://www.innovation.gov.au/HigherEducation/Documents/LowSES_Discussionpaper.pdf.

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