“Packaged” Information: How are new Means of Delivering Information Affecting Students’ Information-Seeking Behavior?

Abstract

This article explores two methods of “packaging” information for students: custom textbooks and web-based discovery services. It examines the implementation of each of these initiatives at the University of Reading, using the institution as a case study to explore the implications on students’ information-seeking behavior. This is combined with a review of the relevant literature surrounding each service. Custom textbooks were used by the University's History department to support one of its first-year undergraduate modules, with the aim of providing a source of essential reading. The University Library released its web-based discovery service to students in October 2011. Various effects on information-seeking behavior are observed, including the potential decline of critical thinking in order to evaluate sources and the danger of sidelining search skills in favor of easy information solutions. The article concludes that librarians have an important role to play in helping students to understand the complexity of information searching. Whilst custom textbooks and discovery services are in some ways beneficial to students, they still require guidance from expert library staff to help them navigate these resources as independent learners. Finally, topics for further research are presented.

KEYWORDS:

• academic libraries
• custom textbooks
• web-based discovery services
• information-seeking behavior

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank colleagues, both within the Library and History departments at the University of Reading, for their assistance in writing this article.

At the time this research was undertaken, Elizabeth Maaike Simpson was employed at University of Reading Library.

Notes

1. http://www.adlibsoft.com/

2. http://www.sirsidynix.com/products/symphony

3. http://www.reading.ac.uk/library/using/catalogues/lib-catalogues.aspx

4. http://www.endnote.com/